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Becker County recognizes deputies and dispatchers after life‑saving March rescue of 10‑year‑old
Summary
County and sheriff's office honored dispatchers and deputies whose coordinated 911 response, CPR coaching and AED use restored a 10‑year‑old's heartbeat; the child was later airlifted for further care and staff received commendations at the meeting.
Becker County and the sheriff's office publicly commended dispatchers and deputies on Friday for a coordinated life‑saving response to a March 19, 2026 emergency in which a 10‑year‑old child was initially unresponsive and not breathing.
According to the sheriff's account, communications officers Taylor Hilica and Elizabeth Shun handled the 911 call and dispatch simultaneously: Hilica answered the call and remained on the line to relay instructions and updates while Shun dispatched deputies and EMS. Responding deputies — including Sergeant Ryan Ao, Deputy Blake Olsen, Sergeant Andrew Brockman, Deputy Adam Winter, Deputy Ethan Wolf and Deputy Derek Hansen — arrived and provided continuous CPR; an AED was used and multiple shocks were administered. After continuous CPR and several AED shocks, the boy's heart began beating and he was airlifted for advanced care.
Sheriff's officials praised the teamwork across dispatch, deputies and the hospital pre‑arrival support team. The family and the boy, Otto, were invited forward; the sheriff and staff presented awards and a small 'goodie bag' to the child as a token of appreciation from the sheriff's office.
Sheriff and county leaders said the incident highlights the importance of training, the newly expanded AED program, and strong coordination between communications and field responders. Commissioners thanked staff and emphasized community gratitude for the quick action that likely prevented a far worse outcome.
No policy actions accompanied the commendation; the presentations concluded the board meeting.
