Charlo teen receives highway patrol's highest honor

Stopping to aid an injured motorcyclist may have seemed like a no-brainer to Charlo high school student Toby Odom, but the 16-year-old’s selfless actions garnered major recognition last week, when they earned him the Montana Highway Patrol’s highest civilian honor.

In a presentation before the Charlo boy’s varsity basketball game Thursday night, Odom became the second youngest recipient of the department’s Meritorious Service Award.

Trooper Terrance Rosenbaum, who nominated and presented Odom with the award, said the high-schooler demonstrated remarkable focus when he helped revive an unconscious motorcyclist this spring.

Rosenbaum said the crash occurred on April 30, along Highway 212. He said Odom was driving near mile marker four when a motorcyclist in front of him failed to negotiate a turn and crashed into a ditch.

Rosenbaum said Odom pulled over and found the driver unconscious.

“Toby took off his helmet, readjusted his airways and a few minute later the guy came to,” Rosenbaum said.

Once the motorcyclist’s riding partners caught up to the crash and called for help, Rosenbaum said Odom continued on his way.

Rosenbaum said he didn’t find out about the crash until a few days later. Through word of mouth, he learned Odom was the Good Samaritan that saved the motorcyclist’s life.

“Being the humble kid that he is, Toby thought it was no big deal,” Rosenbaum said. “But try and tell that to the man’s family or his kids.”

Rosenbaum said Odom’s actions required maturity and composure.

“He knew what to do, he assessed the situation and acted on correcting the problem,” Rosenbaum said. “For a 16-year-old it’s pretty remarkable.”

In addition to his roadside heroics, Odom’s reception of the Meritorious Service Award is also a feat in itself.

“This award is only given to the public two or three times a year, or sometimes never,” Rosenbaum said.

To qualify, a recipient must go out of their way to save another person’s life. With so much scrutiny surrounding the negative aspects involving younger generations, Rosenbaum said it’s refreshing to focus on the positives.

“I don’t think a lot of younger people get the recognition they deserve,” Rosenbaum said. “I’d like them to know that their good deeds don’t go unnoticed.”

This recognition was on full display Thursday night, with the packed bleachers cheering in unison as Odom accepted the award. Afterward, in another demonstration of humility, he quickly exited the spotlight and helped his teammates cruise to a 36-point victory.