Lifesaving efforts honored by sheriff

Two Dodge County sheriff’s deputies have been honored for their efforts in saving the lives of two residents.
Sheriff Scott Rose presented deputy Mark Dyshaw and Sgt. Jeff Espinosa with lifesaving awards at the annual Holiday Party for the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in Kasson Feb. 17.
Dyshaw saved the life of a woman who suffered a heart attack in her vehicle in Hayfield while Sgt. Espinosa saved the life of a man in Mantorville who also had suffered a heart attack.
During the banquet, letters of recognition were awarded to Jesse Durland, captain of the sheriff’s posse, and Karl Malisheske and Ben Klapperich, posse members, for their hours donated and dedication to the program.
Rose also gave out a letter of recognition to Sgt. Shannon Boerner for all of his work to help start and manage the county’s new Chaplain Program.
The sheriff recognized several employees for their promotions over the past year. They included Jeff Brumfield from investigator to captain of investigations, Matt Maas to PSAP/emergency management director and Erin Wenger to lead dispatcher/deputy emergency director.
Several chaplains who were in attendance were also recognized for their outstanding work and service to the sheriff’s office and community over the past year.
Senator Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, attended the awards ceremony and was recognized for his efforts to help get a specialty license plate bill passed to benefit the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association.
Rose, who is a board member of MLEMA, spoke on behalf of the state organization praising Senjem’s efforts along with posse member Roger Berge. “Without their efforts over a two year period, the bill would have never happened,” Rose said.
In 2018, the state sold 1,893 LEMA license plates across Minnesota, raising more than $47,000 for the association to help pay for law enforcement funerals, support programs for surviving families and maintain the state memorial program each year.
The sheriff’s office employs 30 licensed deputies and 20 civilians working in records, dispatch and courts. The office also supports a volunteer posse program with about 20 members and a chaplain program with nine ministers.
About 60 people attended the party, including former Sheriff Gary Thompson.
“The holiday party gives us a chance each year to take one night and recognize all of the great work our staff does throughout the year,” Rose said. “It’s important in the climate we work in today to make sure that our staff knows how much we recognize all of their efforts and sacrifice to help keep our communities safe day and night.”