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Lakes Region EMS crew members and a Chisago County sheriff’s deputy were guests of honor May 7 at a reception and award presentation at Taylors Falls City Hall.   
The speed and expertise  with which Ashley Anderson, Kurt Winkelman and Sgt. Shane Carroll rendered aid to Taylors Falls Mayor Mike Buchite, when he was stricken with a heart attack at his home about two months ago, were nominated for recognition through the sheriff’s office.  The submission was reviewed by a department committee.

Sheriff Rick Duncan said he likes to honor outstanding efforts, provided both internally and actions by the general public.  The life-saving outcome needs to be directly related to skills and training of the awardees.

Sgt. Carroll was given the department’s Lifesaving Certificate and uniform pin.  And, to the Lakes Region duo,  a framed Certificate of Excellence.  

Winkelman, with 25 years on Lakes Region EMS and Anderson, who started in 2013, were reunited with their patient and saw firsthand that he’s doing well. It was fortunate the ambulance rig was at St Croix Falls (just across the river) when the call came in and the rig arrived at the Buchite home within four minutes. Sgt. Carroll drove the ambulance as the EMTs worked in back.  Buchite remarked briefly about his daughters and grandchildren, and that he is so very thankful to have received such excellent care allowing him to still be part of their lives.

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