Press Release from Faribault Chief Andy Bohlen:
On Thursday, December 20, 2017 at 12:47 am, Faribault police officers and Rice County sheriff’s
deputies responded to a reported stabbing in the 1400 block of Hulett Avenue. Further information indicated two persons had been stabbed. On officers’ arrival, they discovered a semi-conscious 58-year-old male with stab wounds to his upper back, left hand and left leg. He was transported to Allina District One Hospital and airlifted
to a metro-area trauma center. He was last reported in stable condition. Officers also discovered a 26-year-old
male with a stab wound to his chest and multiple stab wounds to his back. He was transported directly to the
airport and airlifted to a metro-area trauma center. He was also reported to be in stable condition. No other
victims were located. The suspect, a 41-year-old male, exited his residence and was taken into custody by officers. A large amount of blood was observed both inside and outside of the residence. Detectives responded to assist with crime scene processing. The suspect did state to a detective that he stabbed the two victims in self-defense. The investigation is ongoing and police believe no threat to the public exists.
Chief Andy Bohlen commented, “I am proud of the quick and professional life saving actions taken by all of our
responders to such a messy and chaotic scene. Evidence was spread over a broad area and our officers will be
working diligently to complete the investigation.” KYMN has a call into Chief Bohlen….
What happens when you dial 911?
Northfield Hospital EMS Director, Brian “Tex” Edwards says it’s a complex system that works. He explains when you call from a landline it goes to the Public Safety Answering Point, P-SAP, for the area you’re in. In Northfield that would be Owatonna to the Rice-Steele dispatch center. If you’re on a cell phone, you’ll be connected to the nearest center. If you need an ambulance, you’ll get transferred to an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at Allina Health EMS in St. Paul. Edwards said, “that caller will take to the trained EMD who will give them instructions on how to manage that emergency until first responders get there. They’ll walk you through how to do CPR, chest compressions, how to open a person’s airway, how to protect them from hurting themselves if they’re having a seizure”. He added, “being a dispatcher is very challenging. Everything is done in your mind. You’re not outside in the weather but you can’t see what you’re doing”. The Dispatcher also monitors the situation for safety of the First Responders and the patient. They broadcast what’s happening to the responding ambulance and/or type it into an on-board system for confidentiality. There may be 2 EMD’s working together if it’s a critical call. One will type the notes, while the other talks with the caller. Edwards says you’ll get care within 30 to 40 seconds after you make the call, multiple people are working all together to get the situation stabilized as quickly as possible. His full interview is on kymn.net.
As the year closes, Mayor Pownell reflects
The last two Northfield Council meetings have been lengthy, to say the least, as they tackle multiple big subjects like the 2018 street project, municipal ID, a large tax levy, a proposed Senior housing complex near the Hospital and more. Mayor Pownell commented, “but I think that we’re doing well and just really want to continue on that course of really working hard to stay together, right, and work through the differences that we have on policy matters so that we can continue to get the work of the City done”. Putting together their 3 to 5 year Strategic Plan was an accomplishment Pownell is proud of, “I think it’s been hugely important in bringing the community together so that they know exactly what we’re working on and how they can help us achieve those 6 priorities”. They sought input from the public, boards, commissions and met in work sessions with each other guided by Consultant Craig Rapp. Her interview, along with Council Ness is on kymn.net.
Switzer reappointed to NAFRS
Dundas Mayor Glenn Switzer was re-appointed for a 3 year term to the NAFRS Joint Powers Board. Dundas Council also passed a resolution of support for the Fire facility set to begin construction as soon as all the paperwork is wrapped up. Northfield will bond for the rehab and expansion. Dundas and Rural will pay back Northfield. On tomorrow’s agenda at the NAFRS board meeting is a change in cost allocation to lower rural’s share. The meeting begins at 8am and will be held in the Conference Room at the Northfield Police Station. Meetings are open to the public.
