Jan. 26—MITCHELL — Law enforcement personnel from Mitchell and the surrounding counties gathered at the Mitchell Police Department training room on Thursday to surprise one of their own with an honorary award for going above and beyond.
Mitchell Detective Andrew Becker received the South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent’s Performance Award for stopping to render aid while off-duty.
Becker, his wife Marissa and their children were on the way to Tea to see family on the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2024 when they witnessed a car crash.
Without hesitation, Becker immediately “took the ditch,” according to his wife.
Inside the wreckage, a female driver was unresponsive and two passengers—an adult woman and a young girl—were seriously injured.
Becker immediately pulled the unconscious driver from the car and began CPR, continuing life-saving efforts until first responders arrived. Meanwhile, his wife, who stayed in the car with their two young sons, called 911.
“That natural instinct kicks in — to him it’s just another day,” Marissa Becker said.
Highway Patrol State Trooper Shane Johnson arrived at the scene and relieved Becker from CPR duties. But Becker didn’t stop there. He continued to render aid and emotional support to the other passengers, including a four-year old girl and a witness in shock.
Despite Becker’s efforts, the driver died from her injuries at the scene of the crash.
Afterward, Johnson nominated Becker for the superintendent’s award.
The Superintendent’s Performance Award is a recognition given to individuals or groups for outstanding contributions or actions that go above and beyond typical expectations. The award has been given to South Dakota Highway Patrol members, other law enforcement officers as well as private citizens. The award acknowledges exceptional performance in promoting highway safety, customer service and volunteer community service.
Colonel Casey Collins, superintendent of the Highway Patrol, told the Mitchell Republic that not everyone who gets nominated is approved for the award, and that it’s rare to give them out.
“It was an easy yes,” Collins added.
To honor Becker, Dean Knippling, the Mitchell chief of police, arranged a surprise ceremony. Knippling scheduled Becker to lead a training off-site to get him out of the building and fill it with Becker’s family and local law enforcement. Sheriff departments from Sanborn, Davison and Hanson counties were also in attendance.
Becker, who became a police officer in 2016 and a detective in 2019, was visibly surprised by how many people came to honor him.
“Yeah, they pulled it off. I was like ‘there’s a lot of, you know, high ranking officers (vehicles) in the parking lot,'” Becker said.
The Superintendent’s Performance Award plaque commemorates Becker’s actions that day. The commemorative plaque states:
“On November 23, 2024, a single-vehicle rollover occurred on Interstate 90 near mile marker 344 in Hanson County. The crash involved three occupants, including a 4-year-old girl. Both adult occupants sustained life-threatening injuries, and tragically, the female driver succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Detective Andrew Becker of the Mitchell Police Department, who was off duty at the time, witnessed the crash while traveling westbound on Interstate 90 with his wife and two children. Without hesitation, Detective Becker drove his vehicle into the north ditch and sprinted to the crashed vehicle. Displaying extraordinary composure and courage, he pulled the unresponsive female driver from the vehicle and began CPR, continuing life-saving measures until first responders arrived on the scene. Trooper Shane Johnson arrived shortly after and took over CPR. Meanwhile, Detective Becker turned his attention to comforting the 4-year-old girl and later provided support to a female witness who was visibly shaken by the incident. Even during a chaotic and tragic situation, Detective Becker’s actions demonstrated his unwavering commitment to service and his deep compassion for others. Detective Andrew Becker acted not for recognition but out of a servant’s heart and dedication to the people of South Dakota. In recognition of his selfless actions, Mitchell Police Detective Andrew Becker is awarded the South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent’s Performance Award.
1/3/2025
Colonel Casey Collins
Superintendent, SD Highway Patrol”