U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Deputy Cody Criner of Sweet Grass County for his tremendous impact on the state of Montana.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Deputy Cody Criner of Sweetgrass County for his brave action in service of his community.
On February 6th, 2019 Deputy Cody Criner was performing a routine check at a rest stop along I-90 near Big Timber, when he came across a Toyota Prius. At first, he believed the car to be abandoned. The car was covered in snow, and the hood and the exhaust were completely frozen over. Abandoned cars are common along this stretch of highway, however Deputy Criner knew in his gut that something was wrong.
Deputy Criner, approached the vehicle to inspect the windows, and that’s when he saw the hand of a 33-year-old man. The man’s eyes were rolled into the back of his head and he wasn’t responding as Criner pounded on the window. In temperatures 10 degrees below freezing, Criner knew time was working against him.
Criner took quick action and grabbed a hammer and broke the passenger side window. He proceeded to cover the man with as many blankets as he had and even took the beanie off his own head to keep the man warm. On that cold February day, Criner saved a man’s life.
Deputy Criner quick action and commitment to service is exemplary of the Montana sprit. I know that Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and the entire Sweetgrass community is thankful to have a faithful public servant in Deputy Cody Criner.
In recognition of Deputy Cody Criner’s bravery and service, I ask unanimous consent that his name be entered into the record and recognized as Montanan of the week.
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