Ely DNR officer recognized for lifesaving efforts

A Minnesota DNR officer is being recognized for his rescue efforts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness earlier this year.

Conservation Officer Sean Williams, who is stationed in Ely, saved the life of a man who was snowshoeing in February, and was unable to get out of the BWCAW. Williams and a member of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad followed a man’s snowshoe tracks for three miles into the Wilderness Area, and then into a thickly wooded bog area.

When they located the man, he was stuck past his knee in a deadfall tree, and was unable to free himself. The man did not have the proper equipment or attire to spend an unexpected night in the wilderness, and authorities say he likely would not have made it through the night.

Rescuers brought the man back to safety, as darkness fell and temps began to plummet. CO Williams has been awarded the DNR’s Lifesaving Award for his rescue efforts.

“Conservation officers have a long, proud tradition of helping people in need,” said. Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. Col. Smith went on to say Officer Williams answered the call, and that this recognition is well deserved.