Reid Skinner of Alexandria is lucky to be alive today.
On Sunday morning, June 27, his son, Garrett, was in Reid's yard bringing garbage out, when he noticed his dog sitting next to Reid, who was on the ground. At first, Garrett thought his 62-year-old father was lying down stretching but he soon realized he was unconscious and needed help.
Garrett yelled for help and his wife, Elizabeth, called 911. Dispatchers immediately directed them to start CPR.
Within minutes, four officers arrived on scene to take over CPR and four minutes later North Memorial Ambulance arrived and continued with the life-saving measures.
In less than 20 minutes from the time of the 911 call, Reid arrived at the emergency room at Alomere Health and was handed off to a trauma team. Reid was stabilized by this team of doctors and nurses and they prepared him for a transfer.
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LifeLink III flew him directly to St. Cloud for more treatment.
Reid was in the intensive care unit for eight days and spent another six days recovering. Reid was discharged, returned home and he is still continuing his rehabilitation process, according to Police Chief Scott Kent, who told the Alexandria City Council Monday night about the chain of events that saved Reid's life.
"Reid has a tough road to recovery ahead of him but he is with us tonight because of the quick response of his son, Garrett, daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, Douglas County sheriff dispatchers, Alexandria police officers, North Memorial Ambulance staff, the trauma team at the Emergency Room at Alomere and flight crew of LifeLink," Kent said.
Kent recognized all those involved in the response by giving them a letter of commendation, an honor that Reid affirmed with handshakes and pats on the back.
Kent noted that Reid is an employee of the city and has been with Vinnie Hennen and the team at the Runestone Community Center for more than 15 years and is also a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy.
Reid's wife, Sonya, also spoke at the council meeting and gave a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped her husband that day. "It's a miracle he's still alive," she said.
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New police officer welcomed
In other police-related news, the Alexandria City Council welcomed new police officer Logan Sanborn, who will fill a vacancy in the department following the retirement of Detective Jay Halverson in May.
Sanborn was raised in Faribault and during his high school years he moved to Alexandria to play hockey for the Blizzard, according to Police Chief Scott Kent. Sanborn graduated from Alexandria and Technical College this past spring.
The department received 40 applications for the opening, Kent said. The city’s Police Civil Service Commission and Kent conducted two rounds of interviews before selecting Sanborn.
Sanborn completed medical, psychological and fitness exams and passed a licensing exam to get the job, the chief said.
Sanborn received a lot of support. Friends and family members filled up about half of the council chambers Monday night. His aunt pinned his collar brass onto his uniform.
Detective Halverson also participated in the ceremony. Sanborn wears the same badge number, 107, that Halverson carried for 25 years.
