A Cooper County Detective was presented an award for bravery for his actions in October 2022.

Detective Jordan Shikles was presented with the United States Department of Interior Citizens Award for Bravery in Washington, DC.

This award was due to his actions at the Big Muddy Fish and Wildlife Refuge on October 22, 2022 when he assisted nine civilians that were on refuge land and had got caught up in the wildfires that caused extensive damage to the town of Wooldridge and spread over three thousand acres in the Missouri River bottoms. Shikles located three citizens near a kiosk in the South Unit along Cumberland Church Road and then six more civilians at Taylor’s Landing. While at Taylor’s Landing, fire and smoke took over the area around him due to high winds. Shikles was able to locate and assist the civilians in moving their vehicles and boats to help protect them and their property.

Throughout the incident, Shikles continued to drive through the hot spots and heavy smoke leading fire units into the area. Due to his quick actions, all nine civilians were uninjured.

Shikles was presented the award on Tuesday, May 7.