Iowa State Trooper from Manchester Honored by Governor for Lifesaving Efforts
An Iowa State Trooper from Manchester has been honored for his lifesaving efforts following a crash.
Devin Brooks has received the Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor, along with Trooper Boyd Eser.
The Governor’s Office says just after noon on July 1, 2021, in rural Blackhawk County, a vehicle traveling on Cedar Wapsie Road and another on North Raymond Road violently collided. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch, and one immediately ignited. As luck or perhaps divine intervention would have it, Iowa State Patrol Troopers Devin Brooks and Boyd Eser were just a few miles behind the crash on their way back to their home post in Oelwein. There were no other first responders in the area and any response would have been precious minutes away.
One driver was treated for their injuries at a local hospital, while the other was airlifted to University Hospitals in Iowa City. Tragically, the pinned passenger did not survive. Troopers Brooks and Eser sustained smoke inhalation and suffered minor burns.
Brooks and Eser received the Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds during a recent ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol.
Several others were also honored at the ceremony with lifesaving awards.
photo courtesy of Governor Reynolds’ Office
