Honored for heroism at DMV incident
A Parkville man was awarded at the state capitol this week for his role in bringing a safe end to a dangerous situation at the Parkville License Office last year.
On Tuesday, Gov. Mike Parson awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to a total of 11 first responders and six civilians for heroic and live-saving actions during 2019.
Tom Hutsler of Parkville is among the civilians honored by the governor for heroic and life-saving actions.
The awards represent the state’s highest recognition for first responders working as individuals and as members of a team during critical incidents. The civilians were honored for taking on harrowing risks during emergencies to save lives and support first responders.
“The citizens we honored today are inspirational,” Parson continued. “They willingly faced incredible dangers to protect law enforcement and members of the public. It was my honor to stand among these courageous Missourians.”
Family members and a small number of colleagues were on hand for the awards presentation during the Jefferson City ceremony. Social distancing was followed, and masks were required.
Thomas E. Hutsler II, was nominated for the state award by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. The award nomination reads this way:
“On July 9, 2019, Thomas Hutsler was at a motor vehicle licensing office in Kansas City in Platte County when there was a commotion at the counter. A woman in a loud threatening voice told a clerk, “What do I need to do, show you my gun?”
As she stormed out of the office past Hutsler, he overheard her say, “You haven’t seen the last of me.” Recognizing the danger, Hutsler instructed his son to remain inside as he headed to the parking lot. Hutsler then observed the woman pull a handgun out of her handbag. She fired the gun in the parking lot and then headed for the license office. Hutsler blocked the office door and told her she was not reentering the building.
During a verbal confrontation, the woman brandished her weapon before placing it back in her bag and heading toward her vehicle. Hutsler warned other people in the parking lot to beware of the armed woman. The license office went on lockdown.
Hutsler started his truck and maneuvered it to block the woman’s car. At this point, an off-duty Kansas City police officer drew his gun, and when the woman exited her vehicle, he ordered her to get on the ground. Hutsler used the officer’s phone to relay the events to a dispatcher. The woman refused the officer’s commands.
Hutsler got behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and took her to the ground. The Kansas City Police Department soon arrived. Police say the woman’s gun was loaded with a bullet in the chamber.
In a highly dangerous situation with many lives at stake, Thomas Hutsler acted with fearlessness and daring to protect his fellow citizens from harm.”