Willow Springs resident receives the Matilda "Tillie" Sonnen Civilian of The Year Award

Linda S. Benyo received the award from Colonel Eric T. Olson, Superintendent of the Highway Patrol, in a ceremony held at the Lake of The Ozarks on April 10, 2021.

Ms. Benyo began working at Troop G Headquarters on March 1, 2011. She is responsible for the maintenance of Troop G Headquarters, Troop G Crime Laboratory, the Van Buren Zone Office, and the Troop G grounds, which includes the maintenance of three tower sites. What truly sets her apart from other employees are the actions she took as the state of Missouri was facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Benyo devised a work schedule that allowed her to sanitize the headquarters to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace. She altered her schedule and other commitments and worked seven days a week for the 46 days straight, constantly cleaning and sanitizing the essential areas of the troop.

Not one Troop G employee contracted the COVID-19 virus during the height of the pandemic, nor was any other sickness spread within the troop headquarters. Ms. Benyo’s efforts did not end after the initial shutdown. During the entire year, she constantly strived to maintain a sanitary workplace. She routinely arrives at work one to two hours prior to other office personnel, cleaning and sanitizing each area to ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. Troop G Commander Captain Bruce Fiske said, “Linda’s dedication and commitment to her duties at Troop G Headquarters are unequalled. She demonstrates the highest values of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.”