The North Dakota Highway Patrol recognizes outstanding efforts on behalf of employees, organizations, and individuals who work closely with the NDHP and the general public.
NDHP Trooper of the Year
The NDHP Trooper of the Year Award is awarded each year to one NDHP Trooper who is selected based on adherence to department policies and performance of duty. View the Awardees.
NDMCA Driver of the Year
The North Dakota Motor Carrier Association (NDMCA) Driver of the Year award recognizes a commercial motor vehicle driver that has shown a commitment to safety, has made contributions to the trucking industry, shown integrity in their interactions with drivers, co-workers, customers and the general public, may have completed documented deeds or heroism and acts of courtesy on or off the highway and made significant contributions to improve their place of work or the lives of those who work with them. The North Dakota Highway Patrol recognizes the Driver of the Year for their efforts in maintaining safety on North Dakota's roadways.
Stephen Howell, the recipient of the 2025 Driver of the Year with Dena Halverson, Operations Manager, Dixon Insurance. Stephen began his driving experience at the age of 20 operating farm trucks before earning his CDL in 1993. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated approximately 4,125,000 safe career miles.
- 1999 Robert A. Rettig, Wiest Truckline
- 2000 Soren Friestad, Jamestown
- 2001 Dennis G. Weets
- 2002 Larry Dommer
- 2003 Dale Keller
- 2004 Roger W. Gentzkow, Midwest Motor Express
- 2005 Tom O’Hara, Can-Am Express Inc.
- 2006 Robert D. Smith, Mayer Truck Line Inc.
- 2007 Gary Kriedman, Mayer Truck Line Inc.
- 2008 Lowell Larson, Elliott Transport Systems
- 2009 Dwight Wunderlich, TMI Transport Corp.
- 2010 Glenn Hudson, TMI Transport Corp
- 2011 Lawrence Ormsby
- 2012 Robert Scott
- 2013: Loy Justesen
- 2014: Bob Halvorson, Killoran Trucking & Brokerage
- 2015: Richard Brereton
- 2016: Tony Knudson, Killoran Trucking & Brokerage
- 2017: Terry Jordan, Altendorf Trucking, Inc.
- 2018: Jason Moore, Hofmann Trucking, LLC
- 2019: Carmen Lovato, TMI Transport, Corp.
- 2020: Don Buettner, TMI Transport, Corp.
- 2021: Randy Kautzman, Hofmann Trucking, LLC
- 2022: Julie Hjelle, Altendorf Trucking, Inc.
- 2023: Joe Mondor, Altendorf Express, Inc.
- 2024: Don Huckins, Marvin Logistics
- 2025: Stephen Howell, F & M Transport Inc.
Public Award: Saved by the Belt
This award promotes the voluntary use of safety belts, or other restraint systems in motor vehicles. Persons involved in recently occurring crashes can be nominated by an investigating law enforcement officer, North Dakota Department of Transportation Safety Division representative, or North Dakota Department of Health representative. The crashes must be verifiable through state records.
Public Award: Saved by the Helmet
The purpose of the Saved by the Helmet award is to increase public awareness about the lifesaving value of motorcycle helmets by publicly recognizing individuals who survive serious traffic crashes while wearing a helmet. Persons involved in recently occurring crashes can be nominated by an investigating law enforcement officer, North Dakota Department of Transportation Safety Division representative, or North Dakota Department of Health representative. The crash must be verifiable through state records.