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St. Louis County honors bystanders, first responders with 2025 Lifesaver Awards
Summary
Nine civilians, first responders and telecommunicators were recognized Feb. 25 for life-saving actions ranging from CPR to remote-water rescues; awardees included a 9-year-old and local DNR pilot among others.
St. Louis County recognized nine people — civilians and public safety personnel — Feb. 25 for actions that county officials said helped save lives in events last year and earlier.
Undersheriff Akerson presented the 2025 Lifesaver Awards and described a range of incidents: on Sept. 8, 2024, Daniella Lee performed CPR on her grandfather after he became unconscious; county emergency communications specialist Chris Bender provided telecommunicator guidance during that call. On Jan. 9, 2025, 17-year-old Reholio “Roe” Noyes and his father rescued an elderly neighbor from a house fire in Tower. Other awardees included bystanders and first responders who provided prolonged care in remote water rescues near Curtain Falls, multiple-deputy responses using AEDs during a training collapse, and citizens who rendered aid after a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Highway 73.
Undersheriff Akerson said the awards recognize “people stepping forward when the time comes, whether they’re trained first responders or ordinary citizens.” He credited emergency communications telecommunicators, deputies and volunteer rescuers for the cases presented. Commissioner Grama and Commissioner Nelson also praised the recipients’ quick action and emphasized the county’s public safety partnerships.
Why it matters: County and community first responders said the range of incidents — from CPR in a family home to prolonged remote-area rescue efforts — highlights the importance of bystander training, telecommunicator guidance and interagency cooperation in remote parts of the county.
