Beltrami County Deputies and Minnesota State Trooper recognized for acts of heroism and bravery in the face of extreme danger in their attempt to save the lives of 2 people involved in fiery car crash

BEMIDJI, MN-July 12, 2019: Beltrami County Sheriff's Deputies Anthony Hanson, Brian Birt and Josh Arhart and Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Jesse Herding are being recognized for their actions taken following a fiery car crash on US # 2 in Eckles Township that occurred in the early morning hours of May 27, 2019.

Beltrami County 911 Communications center received a report of a wrong way driver on US #2 in the area of Trunk Highway 89. While speaking with the caller a head on collision occurred with the wrong way driver. Two Beltrami County Deputies, Deputy Hanson and Deputy Birt arrived on scene and found one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames. They found both occupants seat belted in the vehicle. Deputy Birt attempted to suppress the fire while Hanson worked on extricating the victims from the car. One victim was pulled from the vehicle and they then began working to extricate the second passenger.

Deputy Arhart arrived and pulled the first victim further away from the burning vehicle and was joined by Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Jesse Herding in providing emergency care. Efforts to extricate the second victim were more difficult due to the damage of the vehicle. Deputy Birt had retrieved a tire iron in an attempt to pry the door open. Unable to get the door open, Deputy Hanson and Herding extricated the 2nd victim through the broken window. Free from the vehicle they brought the victim to a place of safety and initiated life saving measures.

Unfortunately both victims succumbed to the severe injuries sustained in the crash.

For their actions, Deputies Brian Birt and Anthony Hanson are awarded the Sheriff's Office Award of Valor. Deputy Arhart and Trooper Herding are awarded the Sheriff's Office Award of Merit.

Ernie Beitel

Beltrami County Sheriff