MO Conservation Agent Awarded State’s Highest Public Safety Medal For Response To Mendon Derailment
October 2, 2023 12:26PM CDT
In this photo provided by Dax McDonald, an Amtrak passenger train lies on its side after derailing near Mendon, Mo., on Monday, June 27, 2022. The Southwest Chief, traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago, was carrying about 243 passengers when it collided with a dump truck near Mendon, Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said. (Dax McDonald via AP)
A Department of Conservation agent has been given Missouri’s highest public safety award for his extraordinary courage during a deadly train derailment in Mendon last year.
Donald Fessler has been awarded the Medal of Valor for providing first aid to several victims, climbing into train cars to help trapped people, including Anthony Bryant, an Amtrak employee.
During a ceremony last week, Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten says Bryant was bleeding profusely from his right shoulder and arm.
The victim recovered from his injuries.
