5.2. SR 03-11-2002Item 5.2.
Raver
Police Department
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Assistant Chief Jeffrey A. Beahen
March 6, 2002
Civilian Commendation
On 2-8-02 at 7:15 p.m., a male customer at Applebee's Restaurant began choking on a piece
of steak while he was eating droner. The piece lodged in his throat, blocking his airway and
prevented him from being able to breath.
His wife and daughter who were with for dinner, had gotten up to go to the rest_room. The
victim was noticed by another customer and an employee who could see that the victim was
in obvious distress.
The 16 yr old employee, Andy Fjerstad, administered the Heimlich maneuver twice before
the piece was dislodged and the victim's airway was cleared. This prompt action no doubt
was critical in saving the life of another. Andy learned this technique in a f~rst aid class at
school.
The victim, Chad Ploeger, age 35 of Princeton, and his family were very moved by the quick
actions of the young employee. Andy has been named the employee of the month at
Applebee's and has also been personally thanked by the victim and his family.
The Police Department does have a recognition program in place for these types of
incidents. The victim's wife requested the application form for the department's Life Saving
Medal. This completed form was reviewed and the circumstances surrounding the incident
were verified. The candidate meets the criteria for the Life Saving award.
The victim and his family as well as the recipient and his family have all been invited to the
council meeting on March 11th where the medal and a commendation will be awarded to
Andy for his quick, lifesaving action on 2-8-02.
THE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS
HONORING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE BY YOUNG AMERICANS
February 5, 2002
The Honorable Stephanie Klinzing
City of Elk River
PO Box 490
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Dear Mayor Klinzing:
Your community is being honored today. Lauren Sivula of Elk River has been chosen as one of your
state's top student volunteers in the seventh annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national
program recognizing young people for outstanding community service. Lauren will receive an
engraved bronze Distinguished Finalist medallion at a local ceremony. A copy of the news release
announcing this prestigious honor is enclosed.
Students like Lauren represent the best of America's youth, and are role models to their peers and their
communities. Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals are
committed to bringing them well-deserved recognition through this awards program.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to extend your congratulations and
encouragement. You also may want to consider inviting your honoree to talk about volunteering and
the importance of community service at a city council meeting, proclaiming a special day of
recognition, or issuing an official statement of commendation. Suggested language is included.
You can contact your honoree at:
1720 5th Street
Elk River, MN 55330-1704
763-441-4002
If you would like additional information, please call (973) 802-4568 or write to spirit~prudential.com.
Congratulations to you and your community on having such an outstanding young role model. We
hope you will join us in recognizing this achievement.
Sincerely,
Arthur F. Ryan
Chairman and CEO
Prudential Financial
Gerald N. Tirozzi
Executive Director
NASSP
751 Broad Street · 16th Floor · Newark, NJ 07102 · (973) 802-4568 · Fax (973) 802-4718