by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes had high praise for three police officers and two residents in an awards ceremony at the March 28 city council meeting.
Fred Skuza and friend Bonnie Witz were given a Police Commendation Award for helping save the life of a neighbor in an apartment complex.
A neighbor, Gary Theis, was eating a late supper on Feb. 15 when a piece of food became lodged in his throat. Unable to breathe properly, he hurried to his neighbors’ place, where Skuza and Witz were at home. Witz called 911 as Skuza applied the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the piece of food. (See related story about Heimlich maneuver.)
When the police arrived, they quickly saw Witz and Skuza had everything under control. An ambulance was called, just in case.
“It’s not only the first responders (who help save lives), but those in the community who step forward,” Hughes said.
The council and the audience applauded Skuza and Witz as they were presented commendations.
“I will never forget that night,” Theis said. “And I will always remember Bonnie and Fred for doing the Heimlich maneuver on me.”
Lifesaving officers
Three Sartell police officers received Police Department Lifesaving Awards for their teamwork in saving a man’s life when a fire broke out in the Hi-View Mobile Home Park on Jan. 21.
A morning fire started at a residence and quickly spread throughout the interior. Officer Tim Broda was at the police department just west of the mobile home park when he looked out the window and saw smoke.
He immediately spread the news, contacting the fire department. Officer Shelby Lane was the first to arrive at the scene, followed by Officer Jarod Cooper. They learned an occupant could not get out of the house because of the smoke. Cooper helped the man who was blinded by smoke out of the house through a window high up on the house.
The man was rushed to the hospital via ambulance and was listed in critical condition due to smoke inhalation but survived.
“That could have been fatal,” Hughes said while praising the officers’ professionalism in a crisis.
The council and audience applauded.
“On behalf of the community, thank you,” Sartell Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll said. “You make our community very proud.”
Fred Skuza and Bonnie Witz (left and right) received Sartell Polce Department Commendation Awards for saving the life of Gary Theis, a neighbor who was choking.
Three Sartell police officers received Lifesaving Awards for helping save a man in a burning mobile home. From left to right are Tim Broda, Jarod Cooper and Shelby Lane.
This is the new police badge now worn by Sartell officers.
