The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division recently recognized three conservation officers for their lifesaving efforts over the last several months. Park Rapids-area CO Nick Baum, International Falls-area CO Curtis Simonson and Remer-area CO Corey Sura received lifesaving awards.

“Conservation officers never know what the day will bring, but they are always ready when someone is facing a difficult situation and needs their help,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “It’s a testament to our officers’ character and training that they’re willing and able to put others’ needs above their own.”

Following is the article about CO Curtis Simonson of the International Falls area:

Around 8 a.m. on July 21, Simonson was notified about a person who’d been missing since the day before. Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office deputies had started the search, and members of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad were enroute as well. Simonson offered his assistance and learned the missing man, Donald Larson, was in his 80s, diabetic, and had been driving a Jeep.

Simonson began checking trails and noticed grass that had been matted down by vehicle tires. He drove down the trail, turned a corner, and saw a Jeep stuck in the middle of the trail. There was a person behind the vehicle, laying on his side in mud and water. Simonson quickly sent out a request for an ambulance.

Larson’s Jeep had become stuck the day before, and when he got out of the vehicle, he fell. It had rained overnight, and he was wet and covered with flies and mud. Simonson drove him to a waiting ambulance. Larson was released from the hospital the following day.

“Donald thought he was going to die,” said Lt. Matt Frericks, who supervises conservation officers, including Simonson, in the northeastern portion of Minnesota. “He and his wife both believe that CO Simonson saved his life.”