U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Daniel Hutchinson of Roosevelt County for his acts of heroism and leadership following the tragic Amtrak derailment that occurred in Joplin, Montana last month.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines 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 Month” 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:
TRIBUTE TO DANIEL HUTCHINSON OF ROOSEVELT COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Daniel Hutchinson of Roosevelt County as Montanan of the Month for his acts of heroism and leadership following the tragic Amtrak derailment that occurred in Joplin, Montana, last month.
Daniel and his son, Joshua, were two of the 141 passengers on board the Empire Builder train headed to Seattle on September 25, 2021. That afternoon, tragedy struck. The train derailed in rural Montana between Joplin and Chester. After the crash, Daniel didn’t hesitate to jump into action and help fellow passengers aboard the train.
His years of military training prepared him to act swiftly and selflessly to identify injured passengers and help others off the train. Daniel immediately took control of the situation, making his way through the train and calling out to locate trapped or injured passengers.
After the accident, Daniel stated that he said a prayer thanking the Lord for putting him in the right place at the right time. He did everything he could to get others out of harm’s way, and I believe the passengers Daniel helped are also saying a prayer of thanks for his heroic actions.
His kindness and leadership extend far beyond that fateful day. Daniel’s son, Joshua, describes him as a good neighbor, an avid outdoorsman and an advocate for veterans. Joshua says his dad is a true Montanan in every sense of the word, and I couldn’t agree more.
It is my honor to recognize Daniel for his quick and decisive actions on the day of that horrific accident and for his everyday acts of service that make Montana a better place.
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Contact: Katherine McKeogh, Katie Schoettler