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. Click here to view 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.
2023 Driver of the Year Joe Mondor accepting his award in Grand Forks in Sept. 2024.
| 1999: Robert A. Rettig,Wiest Truckline | 2012: Robert Scott |
| 2000: Soren Friestad, Jamestown | 2013: Loy Justesen |
| 2001: Dennis G. Weets | 2014: Bob Halvorson, Killoran Trucking & Brokerage |
| 2002: Larry Dommer | 2015: Richard Brereton |
| 2003: Dale Keller | 2016: Tony Knudson, Killoran Trucking & Brokerage |
| 2004: Roger W. Gentzkow, Midwest Motor Express | 2017: Terry Jordan, Altendorf Trucking, Inc. |
| 2005: Tom O’Hara, Can-Am Express Inc. | 2018: Jason Moore, Hofmann Trucking, LLC |
| 2006: Robert D. Smith, Mayer Truck Line Inc. | 2019: Carmen Lovato, TMI Transport, Corp. |
| 2007: Gary Kriedman, Mayer Truck Line Inc. | 2020: Don Buettner, TMI Transport, Corp. |
| 2008: Lowell Larson, Elliott Transport Systems | 2021: Randy Kautzman, Hofmann Trucking, LLC |
| 2009: Dwight Wunderlich, TMI Transport Corp. | 2022: Julie Hjelle, Altendorf Trucking, Inc. |
| 2010: Glenn Hudson, TMI Transport Corp | 2023: Joe Mondor, Altendorf Express, Inc. |
| 2011: Lawrence Ormsby |
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.