6.2 SR 03-03-2025The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
6.2
Meeting Date
March 3, 2025
Prepared By
Mark Dickinson, Fire Chief
Item Description
Citizen Award for Action Taken During River
Rescue
Reviewed by
Mark Dickinson
Cal Portner
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Fire Chief Mark Dickinson and Police Chief David Kuhnly will recognize the actions taken by Riley Dietrich
and Ragen McKernan, for their ability to quickly recognize an emergency that required a response from public
safety and immediately act by calling 911.
Background/Discussion
On Friday, July 12, 2024, Riley Dietrich and Ragen Mckernan happened to be at the River's Edge Park dock
when they witnessed a father and his children struggling with the Mississippi River current. They immediately
called 911 to activate a police and fire response.
There were many people by the river and at the nearby restaurants who witnessed the river struggle. The
awareness and quick action taken by Riley and Ragen to immediately call for help made a significant difference
in the outcome of that incident. Unfortunately, the father perished that day trying to save his children, their
quick recognition and actions led to the rescue of one of the children. If they had hesitated, it is very possible
that police and fire would not have been able to conduct that rescue.
Financial Impact
None
Mission/Policy/Goal
Elk River Mission
Attachments
None
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