Dakota County first responders and residents were recently honored for their quick actions that saved lives and helped others in the community last year. They were recognized by the Dakota County EMS Council during a May 14 event marking Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week.
Also, three 911 dispatchers were recognized for their calm assistance as they helped callers through emergency childbirths.
Here are their stories:
Outstanding EMS response
Quick action saves student biker
Burnsville firefighters and paramedics responded to a serious bike crash at Buck Hill. They found a high school biker with a significant neck injury and trouble breathing from a collision with a tree. Recognizing the severity, they started spinal precautions and rapid transport.
As the patient's airway deteriorated, the crew made a critical decision to sedate the student and secure the airway. They continued to help as the student was rushed to the hospital.
The patient was diagnosed with a tracheal tear and collapsed lungs, but ultimately recovered without long-term health issues. The crew's quick assessment, clinical judgment and decisive care saved a life.
Off-duty paramedic steps in
Hastings Fire paramedic Lucas Knoll was off duty at a restaurant when he noticed commotion at a nearby table. He saw a man who was unconscious. Knoll determined the man was in having a heart attack and immediately started CPR. A bystander brought the on-site automatic external defibrillator to him. Knoll delivered one shock with the device.
The patient was transported to the hospital by paramedics for further care. Knoll's quick action led to a positive outcome for this patient.
Outstanding Action by a Citizen
Workers put their safety on the line to save trucker
Dakota Electric linemen Greg Nelson, Jake Mortenson, Reid Wheeler and James Hamblin were recognized for decisive, life-saving actions during a high-risk electrical emergency.
After a truck driver was shocked by live power lines and his vehicle caught fire, the four linemen acted immediately despite the hazard. They removed the unresponsive driver from danger and started CPR, keeping him alive until paramedics arrived.
Their rapid judgment, technical skill and willingness to risk their own safety directly saved a life.
Swift action saves swimmer
Emma Zellmer, Steve Heinrich, Aaron Fitzloff, Jamie Sivertson, Richard Burt and Katelyn Brown were recognized for their life-saving response to a near-drowning at the Veterans Memorial Community Center.
After being alerted, Zellmer entered the 13-foot dive well, retrieved the submerged individual and brought him to the surface with help from Fitzloff and Heinrich.
Zellmer started CPR and coordinated a seamless team response with Brown and Fitzloff, including compressions, airway management and more. They restored the individual's vital signs before paramedics arrived.
Together, their leadership, expertise, and decisive action saved the swimmer's life.
Stork Awards
Dakota 911 dispatchers coach callers in emergency childbirth
- On Dec. 15, 2025, Amy Strese demonstrated exceptional composure, professionalism and skill while helping a caller through the emergency delivery of a baby boy. Through clear instructions, calm reassurance and focus, Strese played a critical role in ensuring the safe arrival of a new life under stressful circumstances.
- On Jan. 9, 2026, Jenny Melton provided calm and precise instruction over the phone during an emergency childbirth. Melton guided the caller through each step of the delivery, and both mother and baby girl remained as safe as possible until first responders arrived.
- On March 13, 2026, Patrick Koerble demonstrated skill and composure while managing an emergency call involving an imminent childbirth. Through guidance and compassionate communication, Koerble helped the caller deliver a healthy girl under urgent and unpredictable conditions.
These achievements required technical knowledge and the ability to provide reassurance and maintain control in high-pressure situations.