Above, KHP Major Andrew Dean, at right, presents the commendation to Captain Travis Phillips.
Captain Travis Phillips, Troop D Kansas Highway Patrol, was honored with a Commanders Commendation Award for his actions on March 14, 2025, when a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision occurred on I-70 in Sherman County when a dust storm obscured drivers’ vision.
A social media post from the KHP said the horrific incident, which involved 71 vehicles, 29 being commercial motor vehicle, and sadly resulted in 8 fatalities, demanded an extraordinary level of coordination, professionalism, and resolve from first responders.
Despite facing the unique challenges of extremely high winds, zero visibility, blowing dust/dirt, multiple injured and/or disoriented motorists, deceased motorists, and debris, Captain Phillips responded swiftly, assisting with traffic control, the transportation of stranded motorists to area hotels, and checking on the welfare of the KHP personnel directly involved.
“Captain Phillips actions on March 14 and in the days that followed exemplified the highest standards of service and significantly contributed to the success of our mission. His performance during this incident is truly commendable and worthy of recognition,” read the KHP post.
Dane Hicks is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA. He is the author of novels "The Skinning Tree" and "A Whisper For Help." As publisher of the Anderson County Review in Garnett, KS., he is a recipient of the Kansas Press Association's Boyd Community Service Award as well as more than 60 awards for excellence in news, editorial and photography.
