Six Stories of Bravery and Courage in Hennepin County

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — John Wayne is attributed with saying, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." On Tuesday, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office honored several community members who did a version of that at the annual Tribute to Extraordinary Citizens Award Ceremony.

“I have always said that law enforcement can’t work alone,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Stanek in a statement. “The Tribute to Extraordinary Citizens Award Ceremony allows the Sheriff’s Office to honor brave people who became first responders, and many other citizens who have served the community for many years.”

Award Winners

Lifesaver Award
John Lundberg and Millicent Walsh
On Jan. 27, 2016 John and Millicent were at Boom Island Park when they noticed a woman and her
dog in the river after falling through thin ice. John was able to help rescue the woman and her dog, while
Millicent called 911, according to a news release.

Earl Landry, III
On Aug. 9, 2016 Earl was working as the maintenance supervisor at an apartment complex in Hopkins,
when he saw an unresponsive 11-year-old girl from the bottom of the pool. Earl jumped in the swimming
pool to rescue the girl and performed CPR until first responders arrived.

Cassie Drozynski
On Oct. 6, 2016 Cassie was on the Mississippi River and noticed a person in the river along one of
the river banks. The person was an apparent jumper who has tumbled down the bank before ending in
the river. Cassie attempted to get the person a life jacket and eventually entered the water and pulled the
victim to shore, staying with the victim until first responders arrived.

Distinguished Service Award
Doobie Kurus
Doobie, a former Gopher football player, learned that Ed, a current HCSO deputy and former Gopher
teammate, was in need of a kidney transplant. Doobie knowing Ed for more than 25 years wanted to help
and was able to donate a kidney, providing Ed with a lifesaving gesture.

Jeannie Joas
Jeannie, a long-time community partner, regularly noticed a panhandler outside of her downtown
Minneapolis store. Jeannie learned that the man had battled alcohol and drug addiction, so she promised
to help him find permanent housing if he would stay sober for one week. He did so, and she helped him
find permanent housing. She also helped him enroll at the Hennepin County Technical College in an
HVAC program. After a few years in the program he graduated and is now working at HCTC and has
begun teaching there.

Fartun Weli
Fartun is the founder and Executive Director of Isuroon, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help
Somali women build self-sufficiency and maintain healthy lives. Fartun has also served as a member of
the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board for four years, providing advice and feedback to the Sheriff’s
Office while also acting as a liaison between the Somali and law enforcement communities.

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