NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2016
CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager
218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)
U.S. Forest Service honors Rescue Squad with Enduring Service Award
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Volunteer Rescue Squad has been helping people throughout the County since 1958. The approximately 60 Rescue Squad members together volunteer more than 20,000 hours annually, and are recognized throughout the state and beyond for their search and rescue skills.
The U.S. Forest Service is among those thankful for the Rescue Squad's hard work. During Tuesday's County Board Meeting, the Forest Service presented the Rescue Squad with its prestigious Enduring Service Award, calling out in particular Rescue Squad Lt. Kurt Erickson, who leads Rescue Squad operations in the northern part of the County.
"We have top notch rescuers that serve our visitors," said District Ranger Gus Smith. "They have top notch equipment and skills and perform their mission safely and effectively. Kurt has been an outstanding leader, partner with the Forest Service, and is a wilderness conscious leader."
Erickson was humble in accepting the award, saying it was the entire team who deserved it. "We go out and do good work in an extreme environment," said Erickson.
The Enduring Service Award has only been given out twice before in the last five years. It has a legacy of acknowledging long-term partnerships that support the Forest Service Mission.
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 The U.S Forest Service honored the St. Louis County Sheriff's Volunteer Rescue Squad with its prestigious Enduring Service Award during Tuesday's County Board Meeting. Shown L-R are (kneeling) Commissioners Frank Jewell, Patrick Boyle, Tom Rukavina and Pete Stauber; and (standing) Auditor Don Dicklich, Commissioner Keith Nelson, Sheriff Ross Litman, Commissioner Steve Raukar, District Ranger Gus Smith, Rescue Squad Lt. Kurt Erickson, Undersheriff Dave Phillips, Rescue Squad Capt.Rick Slatten and Commissioner Chris Dahlberg.
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