Local deputies honored for response to St. Regis standoff

Law enforcement officers from Mineral and Sanders counties filled the Justice Court room in Thompson Falls last week to honor several officers for their participation in the hostage and officer involved shooting last March in St. Regis.

According to reports, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office sent out a request for assistance in search of an armed robbery suspect traveling from Shoshone County, Idaho named Clay Anton. Anton was located at the St. Regis Travel Center where he took a hostage during a carjacking. The suspect shot the hostage and was then fatally shot by officers on scene.

Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke awarded Sanders County Deputies Lanny Hensley and Tim Kelly the Medal of Valor on March 15 for their heroic efforts in protecting lives during the hostage standoff.

The Medal of Valor award is given to officers who have demonstrated valor, heroism and conduct above and beyond their regular duties.

In a similar ceremony in the Mineral County Court House, Sheriff Funke presented Medal of Valor Awards to Deputies Jack Huges, Eric Lindauer, former deputy Nick Wolter and on behalf of the Montana Highway Patrol for Tom Tofoya and Sargent Shawn Smalley. 

“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," Funke said. "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."

    Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke with Sanders County Sheriff Shawn Fielders and Sanders County Under Sheriff Jerry Johnson. (April Phillips photo)