The Moberly City Council recognized two area law enforcement officers with lifesaving commendations for their efforts following a motor-vehicle crash on May 25, 2025.

The council presented these commendations to Moberly Police Department Corporal Russ Untiedt and Randolph County Deputy Trace Johnston during its Monday night meeting. On May 25, 2025, Moberly Joint Communications dispatched emergency services to North 63 Highway for a vehicle that was upside down, on fire and a person was trapped inside. It was later learned a North Missouri Drug Task Force Detective was first on scene and observed the vehicle on fire. The detective began to attempt to remove the subject on his own without any protective equipment. Untiedt and Johnston arrived on scene and assisted with removing the person from the burning vehicle. They were able to work together to remove the trapped subject.

After the subject was removed from the vehicle, he received medical attention from the Randolph County Ambulance District, and the fire was extinguished by the Moberly Fire Department. Community Relations Manager Scott McGarvey says the council took the opportunity Monday night to celebrate the heroic actions taken by these officers.

Untiedt and Johnston were both in attendance to receive the commendations at Monday night’s council meeting. To protect the identity of the detective, his commendation will be presented at a later time.