The county commissioner’s room at the Mineral County Courthouse in Superior was packed last Wednesday evening, full of officers, local first responders, citizens and friends gathering to reflect and honor those who answered the call to protect the community last March during an officer involved shooting.
A year ago, this week tragedy struck on March 18, 2023 in the little, yet busy tourist stop town of St. Regis.
As Sheriff Ryan Funke emotionally recounted, “That day will forever haunt my memory. But it is also a day that could have been so much worse, had it not been for the immediate and heroic actions of the officers here in front of you tonight.”
He commended, “These officers exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of their own personal safety, in an effort to save human lives. They are true public servants and heroes.”
What began last March on a Saturday afternoon as an assist by the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department in searching for an armed robbery suspect coming from Shoshone County, Idaho, quickly escalated to a hostage situation at the St. Regis Travel Center with a large number of innocent bystanders present. Aware of the growing police presence, the suspect, later identified as Clary Kaea Anton, 22, of Auburn, Washington took a hostage and attempted to carjack their vehicle. The suspect unable to escape shot the hostage, and was then killed by officers on the scene.
Sheriff Funke presented four officers with the Medal of Valor last Wednesday for their noble response that day. This distinct award is given to officers who have demonstrated valor, heroism, and admirable conduct above and beyond their normal police services.
Jack Hughes and Eric Lindauer from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office both received the Medal of Valor, along with former deputy Nick Wolter. Sargent Shawn Smalley with the Montana Highway Patrol received the award on behalf of former state trooper Tom Tofoya. Awards were also presented in Thompson Falls on March 14, for the Sanders County deputies.
