The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office have honored two men for their help in capturing three bank robbery suspects. They say Mr. Zealand Robert “Bobby” Smith and Mr. Kevin Ranking went above and beyone what could be expected, and both ignored personal risk assisting the law officers.

Bobby Smith of Elmo witnessed the robbery at the Citizens Bank and Trust in Burlington Junction March 21st. Smith followed the suspects and called Sheriff Darren White as he followed the suspects.

During the ensuing manhunt, pilot and airport manager Kevin Rankin of Maryville helped find the suspects. Officials say at one point he flew at treetop level directly above the men until officers could arrest them.

Captain James McDonald of Troop H presented an Honorary Trooper Certificate to Mr. Smith and a Certificate of Achievement to Mr. Rankin. Both also received plaques from Sheriff White. The presentations took place at a luncheon held at the American Legion building in Burlington Junction, Missouri.

In the photograph, left to right, are Sergeant Tom Ziegler, Captain James E. McDonald, Zealand Robert “Bobby” Smith, Kevin Rankin, and Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White.