Troopers honored for saving couple

Associated Press

The Oklahoma Legislature honored two members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for saving a Kingfisher couple during flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Erin.

In ceremonies on the House and Senate floors, citations were presented to Lieutenant Brian Sturgill and Trooper Joe Howard in recognition of their heroic actions on August 19, when they rescued Leroy and Bernice Krittenbrink from their submerged vehicle in floodwaters near Kingfisher.

The troopers are assigned to the OHP Aircraft Division.

They had been called out to assist in rescue efforts near Kingfisher where heavy rainfall had stranded several motorists and homeowners.

Sturgill piloted the helicopter, while Howard helped Sturgill navigate the aircraft into position to rescue the couple.

Kingfisher Fire Chief Randy Poindexter also assisted in the rescue.