MITCHELL, SD — On June 22, 2026, local law enforcement and civilians were honored for their heroic response to a fatal crash involving a pickup truck on Interstate 90 in April.
Mitchell Police Officers Shanden Reiners and Garrett Douglas received commendations, while Davison County Deputies Kyle Bice and Kohl Oster were awarded medals for valor. Citizens Anthony Reimnitz and J.R. Munson also received civilian service awards for their efforts.
The crash occurred on April 29 at approximately 5 p.m. when a Dodge Ram driven by 34-year-old Shane Willis of Pierre struck a guardrail cable, fell onto Rowley Street, and landed on its side. Bice and Oster were the first responders, encountering flames erupting from the vehicle. Reimnitz and Munson joined efforts to control the fire using fire extinguishers, preventing the flames from entering the passenger compartment.
Together, the officers and civilians freed two children, ages 1 and 3, from their car seats, working against a crushed roof. Emergency medical personnel transported the children to Avera Queen of Peace Hospital shortly after they were rescued.
The driver and his 38-year-old wife, Melynda Willis, were killed in the crash. Bruce Willis, the children's grandfather, expressed gratitude during a video call, highlighting the bravery of those involved.
Authorities confirmed that the commendations reflect a profound community effort. “Without their interventions, the outcome could have been far worse,” said Mitchell Police Chief Dean Knippling.
The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.