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Saint Joseph honors bystanders and first responders who revived man outside Kwik Trip
Summary
Deputy Chief Matt Johnson and the council recognized citizens and emergency personnel who performed CPR and AED use on June 26, 2025, at Kwik Trip West; the survivor, Brian Becker, told the council he has fully recovered and thanked those who saved his life.
Deputy Chief Matt Johnson of the Saint Joseph Police Department told the City Council that on June 26, 2025, Saint Joseph police, Saint Joseph Fire and Rescue, and Mayo Ambulance responded to a medical emergency at Kwik Trip West where a man was found unresponsive on the sidewalk. Several citizens had begun CPR prior to the arrival of officers and paramedics.
Johnson named the citizens and responders who rendered aid: Diane Hummerding began CPR; Amber Wente took over compressions when officers arrived; Officer Alex Lyon applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) and delivered a shock; Chief Dwight Funenstein and Officer Dan Funenstein assisted with rescue breathing and compressions; St. Joseph rescue personnel applied a Lucas mechanical compression device and continued lifesaving measures until paramedics regained a pulse and transported the man to St. Cloud Hospital.
Brian Becker, the man who received care, joined the council meeting and thanked the responders and bystanders. "Alls I can say is I'm so thankful that I'm here today, and I am so thankful for all of you," Becker said. He told the council he has fully recovered and that a grandchild was born four days after the incident — an outcome he said he would have missed without the intervention.
Mayor Saponiak issued certificates recognizing first responders and citizens for their lifesaving actions. The council paused briefly for the presentation before continuing with the regular agenda.
