St. Ansgar Officer receives award for saving a life

“You’re not expecting that call to your own house…” St. Ansgar reserve officer John Beyer (left) receiving his award from St. Ansgar Police Chief Lance Schutjer during Monday’s city council meeting. EJ Photo/Travis Charlson.

As keepers of the peace, law enforcement officers require a certain level of training that allows them to carry out their duties under stressful situations in order to save lives. 

For one local police officer, that reality hit home — literally — when earlier this year he was called upon to perform CPR on someone undergoing cardiac arrest. Coincidentally, the life the officer saved was that of his own wife.

On March 31, St. Ansgar reserve police officer John Beyer sprang into action when Shannon Beyer went into cardiac arrest due to a heart arrhythmia. Beyer, first responders, paramedics and the Sheriff’s Department were able to bring Shannon back and get her airlifted to Mason City, where she was able to get the care she needed. 

“I just continued until the first responders showed up,” Beyer said. “I didn’t figure I’d ever have to do something like that with my own family.”

Beyer said their two kids, Joey and Courtney, stepped up on that day as well, as they were the first ones on the scene and made the emergency call. 

St. Ansgar Police Chief Lance Schutjer said that responding to emergency calls is all part of the job, commending Beyer for his actions despite the situation. 

“You’re not expecting that call to your own house,” Schutjer said.

John Beyer was given a Life Saving Award from the American Police Hall of Fame during Tuesday’s City Council meeting for his actions on that March day. 

“We don’t get a lot of opportunities to recognize our reserves, and when something like this comes up, we wanted take the opportunity to do so,” Schutjer said. 

Along with award, Beyer received a medal and a letter from the  American Police Hall of Fame. The following is an excerpt of that letter:

“[We commend] you for your valor and service.  Your professionalism in an emergency situation has displayed your dedication to serve the public as law enforcement officer. Your selfless acts saved a human life and your actions should be recognized. The diligence and bravery you exhibited sets an admirable standard for all of us to follow.”

While the town of St. Ansgar can be glad it has an officer like Beyer to watch over it, no one is more glad than his wife.

“I’m thankful to be here,” Shannon said. “Very thankful that my kids and my husband reacted the way they did.”