(KNSI) – The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office held a swearing-in and awards ceremony last week, where Sheriff Steve Soyka recognized staff members whose actions exemplified extraordinary courage, dedication, and commitment to public safety.
According to the department’s Facebook page, several members received Lifesaving Awards for their critical interventions in medical emergencies throughout the county.
Dispatcher Kara Otremba and Deputy Cole Thoma were honored for their response to a cardiac emergency at the Triple R Bar and Grill in Kimball. When a 69-year-old patron collapsed from a suspected heart attack, Otremba quickly provided CPR instructions over the phone while Thoma, who was in the area, arrived within minutes. Thoma applied an AED and performed chest compressions, delivering two shocks before EMS arrived with a LUCAS mechanical chest compression device. The victim, Charles Mathiowetz, was stabilized and transported to St. Cloud Hospital, where he survived.
Public Safety Telecommunicator Elizabeth Borasz received a Lifesaving Award for her response to an August 19th call from a St. Cloud woman whose husband had collapsed face-down in their backyard. Borasz determined the man was exhibiting agonal respirations and calmly guided the caller through rolling the patient over and performing CPR. She remained on the line, counting compressions aloud until police arrived. A pulse was regained at the scene, and the man was transported for further treatment.
Sergeant Steve Noetzel earned a Lifesaving Award for his response to an unresponsive man at Bel Clare Estates Mobile Home Park in Waite Park. Alongside Sergeant Abe Salber of the Waite Park Police Department, Noetzel applied an AED, performed chest compressions, and administered four doses of Naloxone. Their efforts successfully restored a pulse, and the individual survived after transport to St. Cloud Hospital. Salber received a Letter of Commendation for his role in the rescue.
Lead Dispatcher DeAnn Heinen received a Public Safety Telecommunicator Award from VFW Warren Ostendorf in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership spanning more than a decade. Since beginning her dispatch career in 2011, Heinen has brought valuable experience from her previous roles as both a correctional officer and deputy. Over 13 years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as a communications training officer, where she mentors new dispatchers.
Multiple staff members received Letters of Commendation for their exceptional work on challenging investigations and initiatives.
Deputies Tyler Thunstedt and Andrew Bragelman were recognized for establishing a dedicated warrant unit in January 2025. In just over three months, the team attempted to serve 315 warrants and cleared 186, a 60% success rate compared to the patrol division’s 15% rate during the same period in 2024.
Their work led to the apprehension of suspects across the country, including fugitives in South Dakota, North Dakota, Florida, New York City, and California, as well as a gang member wanted for murder in Washington State.
Eight staff members —Deputy Kern, Sergeant Noetzel, Sergeant Simon, Sergeant Hoffman, Deputy Lust, Deputy Wood, Deputy Breth, and Deputy Harris —received Letters of Commendation for volunteering to assist with a difficult search operation at the Elk River Landfill.
The team supported the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office in searching for a murdered teenager’s remains for over 120 days, sifting through approximately 240,000 cubic feet of waste in all weather conditions. The teen’s remains were ultimately recovered, allowing prosecutors to charge the father with murder.
The Sheriff’s Office also recognized community partners who have supported public safety initiatives. Pleasureland RV received recognition for donating a 24-foot enclosed trailer now serving as a mobile “Hidden in Plain Sight” drug awareness display. The trailer, which replicates a teenager’s bedroom, helps parents identify signs of potential drug use and has been featured at numerous community events.
Scheels Sporting Goods in Waite Park, along with staff members Jamie Mortland and Collen Gudowicz, were honored for donating firearms training equipment to support the Sheriff’s Office’s Minnesota DNR Youth Firearms Safety Classes.
Sheriff Soyka administered oaths of office to new team members, including patrol deputies Izaak Theis, Eric Nystrom, Carter Erickson, Teague Monroe, Eli Revering, and Brady Illies; correctional officers Chase Keske, Alexander Benson, Alexander Mushel, Aaron Andria, Anthony Fruth, Johnathan Bravo, Jesse Martin, Nathan Ybarra, and Casey Beaumont; and dispatcher Tiffany Parent.
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