County honors two highway employees who disarmed armed man and helped save a life, officials say

The Anoka County Board on July 14 presented awards to two Transportation Division employees, Benjamin Hyland and Matthew Bryson, honoring them for intervening in a life‑threatening incident on May 19 at Arcoon Lake Beach Park.

Commissioner Breslin introduced the recognition and warned the audience the account included descriptions of a suicidal crisis and a firearm. Sheriff Brad Wise read excerpts from the nomination, saying Hyland and Bryson "knowingly placed themselves in grave danger to disarm a suicidal armed subject who had every intention of ending his life" and that during the struggle a round was discharged into nearby woods. According to the sheriff’s account, deputies arrived and the subject was ultimately secured and placed on a medical hold.

County Engineer Joe McPherson gave Hyland and Bryson a chance to speak. Hyland said the episode underscored how quickly events can change — "10 seconds earlier or 10 seconds after, it coulda ended up completely differently" — and urged people to look out for neighbors who may be struggling. Bryson thanked colleagues, family and first responders, and said, "the Lord put us here for a reason, to save someone's life."

Sheriff Wise said the pair have been awarded the Anoka County Sheriff's Office Medal of Valor (transcript contained a typographical rendering of the award name; this report uses the corrected conventional phrasing). County leaders noted Hyland was a summer intern on his second day on the job and praised both employees for their quick action that deputies say contributed to saving a life and keeping first responders safe.

No operational changes or policy actions were announced at the meeting; the recognition was ceremonial and intended to formally acknowledge the employees' actions.