March 4, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.
Civilians' and law enforcement actions appreciated
Civilians' and law enforcement actions appreciated
From a jailer--Sgt. Dan Klein, who successfully addressed a life threatening medical condition of an inmate-- to a local couple who actively raise money to support Project Lifesaver-- to a heart attack victim alive after being shocked with a defibrillator 15 times...all the participants and their loved ones enjoyed this opportunity to reconnect and be thankful.
Sheriff Duncan expressed his gratitude for law enforcement personnel and volunteers in the county, who he said make his job easier. “I know it’s tough for people in law enforcement especially, to be acknowledged...we all think of this as just part of doing the job.”
Duncan said the actions being recognized rise to the level of service above and beyond the call of duty and represent extreme dedication and passion.
Starting with the citizen awards:
Matthew and Katie Olsen have held fundraising events to help with costs of providing Project Lifesaver. This program is not funded by tax dollars but is administered through the sheriff’s department. It provides a transmitter, worn by a subscriber who may become disoriented due to a developmental disability, dementia or traumatic injury or might be a child with autism. If they were to wander from home they would become lost.
Deputy Mark Stovern coordinates the administration of the program and oversees the device used by sheriff staff for tracking the electronic signal. Project Lifesaver can locate a vulnerable missing person wearing the transmitter within minutes. Stovern said the Olsens have been helping keep costs to a minimum for Project Lifesaver enrollees. If you have questions about subscribing or donations call 213-6351 or contact Stovern at [email protected]
Erick Bostrum, Chris Charbonneau and Jim Charbonneau and Harris Fire Fighters Trevor Williams, Rick Johnson and Brian Swanson; along with North Branch Police Officer Rebecca Lawrence received LifeSaving Awards and Certificates of Excellence.
This team never gave up on Larry Charbonneau, 69, who was stricken with a heart attack in mid-September, while waterskiing at Fish Lake. Larry was given emergency CPR on the beach, and an automated defibrillator (AED) was utilized as air ambulance was called, and successfully underwent surgery. Larry’s son Chris talked about the incident, and said the family can’t express how grateful they are to still have their dad with them.
The sheriff also honored personnel for unwavering commitment during two incidents, notably on freezing nights in January 2014.
One group of deputies was recognized for their swift response and investigation of a robbery at Tim’s in Stacy. A second group was applauded for persistence in containing suspects, until a search warrant could be obtained to enter a party house that was a blight on a neighborhood in Almelund. The deputies could view juveniles and illegal activity through windows, but were refused entry, so they set up a perimeter and nobody left or arrived until the search warrant was signed. Sheriff Duncan said the county doesn’t get complaints about that disorderly residence anymore.
Presented commendations were: Sgt. Kyle Puelston; Jim Mott; Andrew Mahowald; Dustin Swenson; Grant Kinnamon; Chad Stenson and Derek Griggs.
Corrections Sergeant Dan Klein was recognized with a plaque and pin, for his actions aiding an inmate as he was being booked in December 2014, who exhibited serious symptoms related to his diabetes.
Klein commented that jailers encounter incidents with the potential to be life-threatening regularly, and that all of those working at the jail are deserving of recognition.
The sheriff also introduced three new corrections officers.
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