State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Honors MDT Employees with Outstanding Service Award
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this week honored Corporal Emily Verbanac and Corporal Megan Vinyard of the Montana Department of Transportation’s (MDT) Motor Carrier Services Division with his Outstanding Service Award for their lifesaving actions during an incident earlier this year in Mineral County.
“When Corporal Verbanac and Corporal Vinyard arrived at the scene and found two unconscious passengers in a snowbound vehicle, they did not hesitate,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Their quick thinking, training, and decisive action in extreme winter conditions saved two lives.”
Gov. and First Lady Gianforte honoring MDT employees Corporal Verbanac (right) and Corporal Vinyard (middle) during a ceremony held in Missoula
On January 23, 2026, Vinyard and Verbanac were on duty with MDT at the Haugan Weigh Station when they were notified of a single vehicle injury crash on Interstate 90 in Mineral County. At the time, a patrol vehicle was not available, and the two officers decided to respond using a personal vehicle.
When they arrived on scene with deputies from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, they found two unresponsive occupants inside a running vehicle lodged in a snowbank, with the driver’s foot pressed on the accelerator. As deputies worked to gain access to the vehicle, Officers Vinyard and Verbanac assisted in removing the occupants and immediately began lifesaving efforts including using a defibrillator and administering Narcan. Their swift response and use of training helped save both individuals’ lives.
During a ceremony in Missoula, the governor presented Officer Verbanac and Office Vinyard each with a letter of recognition and a Montana state flag flown over the State Capitol in their honor.
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes state employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to the people of Montana.
“Public servants like Emily and Megan represent the very best of Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We are grateful for their dedication and proud to recognize their service to our state.”
Montanans may learn more about the award and nominate a state employee for his or her outstanding work here. A video recording of the ceremony can be viewed here.
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