Minnesota Rural Electric Association recognizes Jamie Line and Tyler Fisher of Todd Wadena Electric Cooperative with a LIFEGuard Award. In addition to their jobs at the electric cooperative, Line and Fisher serve as volunteer firefighters in the Verndale, Minn. community. 

On April 7, 2021, a fire was reported at 9:42 p.m. at a home in Verndale, Minn. Wadena County deputies, police, and Fisher and Line as part of the Verndale fire department responded to the scene.  

Upon arrival, they observed flames at an upstairs window, where a child was reported to be.  Several attempts were made to find the child, but heat and smoke made the area inaccessible.  Fisher and Line were able to gain access through an upstairs window. They rescued the child and she was taken by ambulance to Tri-County Hospital in Wadena. She later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center and admitted to a specialized burn unit. 

Todd Miller, Operations Manager for Todd Wadena Electric Cooperative says, “It just gives the co-op a great sense of pride to have people like that on your team.” 

Minnesota Rural Electric Association commends Jamie Line and Tyler Fisher for their heroic measures to find the child, saving her life. Fisher and Line lived their commitment to safety at work and in their community.