NHP trooper honored for bravery

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Doug Kassebaum has been honored as one of four finalists for the National Trooper of the Year award.

The award is given annually by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in recognition of heroic acts.

Kassebaum, 43, was nominated for his bravery in saving the life of an accident victim following a July 5, 2003, crash on Highway 95 near Silver Springs. According to the report from the awards ceremony, when he arrived, he saw one vehicle engulfed in flames with the fire spreading to the second.

The driver of the second vehicle was pinned inside, and Kassebaum was unable to free him.

"Trooper Kassebaum resorted to scooping dirt onto the flames, keeping them at bay until fire units arrived to extricate the driver and put out the fire," according to the nomination.

Officials credit Kassebaum, an eight-year NHP veteran, with saving the driver.

Nebraska investigator Alan Eberle won the Trooper of the Year award at the March 6 ceremony. Kassebaum was honored as a finalist along with officers from Massachusetts and Florida.

"What a wonderful way to celebrate the work of our Department of Public Safety troopers and law enforcement officers," said Nevada Public Safety Director George Togliatti. "Congratulations to Trooper Kassebaum for his extraordinary bravery and this national commendation."

Contact Geoff Dornan at nevadaappeal@sbcglobal.net or 687-8750.