BROOKINGS – Klint Willert, superintendent of the Brookings School District, praised local first responders for their actions during a recent medical emergency at the school’s pool.
Willert spoke at the Brookings City Council meeting Tuesday.
He said administration at the Brookings High School contacted him the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 18, “about a near drowning in the pool at the high school.”
Willert did not go into detail about the incident or identify any students involved. He did praise the reactions of those who were there.
“While I could go on and on this evening about the heroic efforts of the teachers, Vonda Bjorklund and Tina Birgen, along with the incredible efforts of every student that was participating in the physical education class that day, and their textbook response, I’d rather save those accolades for another time and another occasion,” Willert said.
“Rather, I wanted to appear before the city council this evening to thank the city for the commitment to the citizens of Brookings. We are blessed with the well-trained, highly responsive and effective team of emergency responders,” Willert said.
“From the time the 911 dispatch call was made until the emergency responders arrived at the high school, it was less than three minutes,” Willert said.
“Upon arrival, the EMS team, including the ambulance crew and the responding police officers, quickly assessed the situation, tended to the student and provided a sense of assurance that the situation was fully under control,” Willert said.
What was even more impressive than the response “was the level of support” that followed, he said.
“Officer Terry Coon, Officer Sean Doremus and Officer Jacob Vukovich, who by the way is a Brookings High School graduate, utilized a defusing process with the students and the staff … the process led by these officers provided the students and staff a safe place and process to reflect on the event as each person shared their individual thoughts, feelings and reactions to this major event,” Willert said.
“The officers provided insights and assurances that helped support each individual,” Willert said.
“The level of professionalism, along with the care for all of those involved was clearly evident. I cannot say enough, council members, about the quality of this process and the positive impact the officers had on the individuals involved,” Willert said.
“2020’s been crazy, and we know in 2020 across the country there have been times where police officers have been attacked and their services have been questioned. Well, tonight, I’m proud to say that Brookings has an outstanding team of first responders that unselfishly serve our community. In particular, I would like to publicly recognize Officers Coon, Doremus and Vukovich for what they did to help our students and our staff navigate a very challenging and life-changing event,” Willert said.
“It truly made a difference,” he said.
“Thank you, council, for your support of those wonderful people,” Willert said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
