On October 24, Hennepin
County Sheriff Rich Stanek presented awards to citizens who performed
lifesaving acts and to outstanding citizen volunteers. The award ceremony was titled, Tribute to
Extraordinary Citizens.
Sheriff Stanek presented
awards to 16 citizens who performed lifesaving acts during several different
water-related emergencies. Among the
recipients of a Citizen Award of Merit was 9-year-old Alexander Haug of
Minneapolis. He is one of the youngest heroes to
receive an award from the Sheriff’s Office. Alexander rescued his younger brother who nearly drowned in a swimming pool.
On Oct. 11, the Hennepin
County Sheriff’s Office held its annual banquet to thank our Special Deputies.
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek thanked all the Special Deputies for their
dedication and many hours of service. Special Deputies are highly-trained volunteers who perform essential public safety duties and help to educate residents about safety.
“Years of Service Awards” included one volunteer who has
provided 45 years of service and two volunteers who have provided more than 35
years of service. Collectively, these
three volunteers have given more than a century of service!
In the photo: Steve Hartman of Elk River (35 years), John Thill of Edina (45 years) and Roald Knutson of Plymouth ( 35
years).
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is helping to
educate parents about preventing teen drug use.
On October 8, parents attended a forum at Eden Prairie High School to
learn how they can help prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
The event was organized by “Know the Truth,”
a prevention program from Minnesota Adult &Teen Challenge (MnTC).
According to a new survey conducted by MnTC,
10% of Eden Prairie High School students report they have used illegal drugs.
Of those students, 60% percent abused prescription
pills.
Parents are urged to talk frequently to teens about avoiding drugs and alcohol. Look for opportunities to reiterate your expectations and rules. Parents should lock up prescription medications that are needed. Disposal for unwanted medication is recommended. For locations of disposal drop boxes, visit www.hennepinsheriff.org.
On October 28th, family, friends, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office gathered to honor Deputy Jeff Bunton at his funeral at Zion Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove. Deputy Bunton’s Sheriff’s Office family will remember his contribution to his work and his friendship will be dearly missed. Deputy Bunton was laid to rest at Fort Snelling Cemetery in St. Paul.
Deputy Bunton lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 23, 2013. His died just days after an outpouring of support during a benefit in his honor. He is survived by his wife, Kris, and their two children. |
