Quick thinking that helped save lives in a traffic accident late last year was recognized during Dakota City’s Appreciation Dinner held Saturday at the Dakota City Fire Hall.
Members of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office who were on hand during an accident on Dec. 27, 2024 near Jackson were able to help save two lives, risking their own in the process.
Foggy conditions at the accident scene were to blame for the two-vehicle collision that killed both drivers, including David Podany, 68, of rural Allen and Christopher Wedmore, 26 of Lawton, Iowa.
A woman and a 3-year-old boy were trapped inside the Wedmore vehicle, and the vehicle had to be turned back over on its tires to get them out of the vehicle. The quick decision of deputies Shaun Bird, Ryne Sell, Keaton Mueller, Jose Magana and Jason James to move the vehicle allowed first responders to get to the injured parties and get them life-saving medical assistance.
“I believe without the Dakota County deputies’ quick actions, the outcome for the victims would have turned out different for them,” Rasmussen said in a speech Saturday. “This is the dedication we have in our community from our law enforcement.”
