2011 Hero Awards

	Pearson named first 2011 Knife River Hero Milaca, Minn., resident Sam Pearson is Knife River Corporation’s latest Hero Award recipient for his quick response and first-aid assistance to a family involved in a serious car accident. In late March, Pearson – who is a ready-mix driver for Knife River – Central Minnesota Division – came on the scene of a car accident with a woman and her two young toddlers trapped in an overturned vehicle. Pearson called 911 and then shoveled through deep snow to first extricate the children and hand them to another motorist who stopped to help. The mother had injuries and Sam took care of her until emergency personnel arrived. “Sam is a very deserving of this award. He is incredibly responsible and a very good person,” said supervisor Gary VanDonsel. “In this emergency situation he stepped in and took control and knew just how to handle it. I think he did a really super job.”
	Martin performs heroic action Knife River Corporation awarded Knife River Construction – Stockton Division Foreman Mike Martin its highest award – the Hero Award – after he heroically performed CPR on a pedestrian in Modesto in July.  Martin was flagging on a job in Modesto, Calif., when he witnessed a man falling face down into the street. He responded immediately and discovered the man had no pulse. Martin started CPR using a piece of paper as a breathing barrier and proceeded with chest compressions until emergency personnel arrived. The EMTs said the man had a pulse after they arrived and was breathing on his own, thanks to Martin’s actions. “Mike is a very dedicated and honorable employee. He is well respected in our division and is the type of person who would always do the right thing,” said Stockton Division Operations Manager Rod Getty. “He did exactly what he’d been trained for and we are proud to have him as part of our team.”
	Farnese responds to serious accident Knife River Corporation awarded the company’s Southern Idaho Division Safety Director, Gary Farnese, its highest award – the Hero Award – after he responded to an emergency situation and helped a young family after an auto accident. Throughout the construction season, Farnese has been working in western North Dakota alongside Southern Idaho Division crews doing large jobs near Stanley and Williston, N.D. While traveling between job sites, he witnessed a crash between a semi truck and a Suburban in the oncoming lanes. A young mother was trapped in her vehicle with two toddlers strapped in the back seat. Farnese gave first aid to the older boy, who was bleeding and stayed with the trio until emergency personnel arrived. “Gary is a tremendous individual with a heart of gold. The event that took place was traumatic. Fortunately, Gary was the first responder and had the applicable training to help all who were involved in the accident. We appreciate everything Gary does for our people and our company,” said Southern Idaho Division General Manager Zac O’Kelley.