A Wright County Sheriff’s Deputy, and three individual citizens were honored by the Minnesota State Patrol Thursday during the organization’s annual awards ceremony.
State Trooper Ryan Moeser of the St. Cloud District was given a life saving award, and Deputy Chanse Pederson of the Wright County Sheriff’s Office was presented with a State Patrol commendation. Meritorious Citizenship Awards were given to Marcus Shonblom, Megan Spears, and Nicholas Stoops, all for their part in an incident on September 3rd of 2025.
Officials reported that Trooper Moeser was responding to a report of a single-vehicle crash near Clearwater. Flames and smoke were seen coming from inside the vehicle with the driver still inside. Trooper Moeser, Deputy Pederson, and the three individual residents all worked as a team to remove the driver from the burning vehicle and away from danger. The State Patrol says because of their efforts, the driver’s life was saved.
Other honorees from our region included Trooper Bennett Sukalski of the Mankato District, and Deputy Casey Stotts of the McLeod County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say on July 22nd of 2025, Trooper Sukalski and Deputy Stotts responded to a call of a man trapped inside a grain bin. The pair began clearing corn away from the victim’s face and chest area. Outside air temps that day were near 90 with high humidity. When fire department officials arrived, the trooper and deputy continued to assist in the rescue operation as barriers were placed around the victim and corn was suctioned away from him. The victim was eventually freed about an hour later. Both Trooper Sukalski and Deputy Stotts were treated for dehydration and heat exposure. The victim was hospitalized, but did recover. A life saving award was presented to Trooper Sukalski, and a Minnesota State Patrol Commendation Award was presented to Deputy Stotts.
Also honored at the annual State Patrol Awards Ceremony were Dispatchers Kate Geissler and Erin Madison, who helped to coordinate the emergency response to the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School last August.
The annual awards ceremony was held Thursday in Mendota Heights.
