December 6, 2007

Governor Pawlenty Thanks SMSC for Donation of 199 Defibrillators to
Minnesota State Patrol

Prior Lake, Minnesota - At a press conference on December 6, 2007, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty thanked the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for its donation of 199 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Minnesota State Patrol. The SMSC Business Council consisting of SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks, SMSC Vice-Chairman Glynn A. Crooks, and SMSC Secretary/Treasurer Keith B. Anderson, and SMSC Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki were present at the event at the Governor's office at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota. SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks made some brief remarks about the project.

With the SMSC donation, all State Patrol cars in Minnesota now have an AED. "We are pleased to have been able to work with the Governor and his staff to equip these patrol cars with defibrillators," said Chairman Crooks. "This is a great example of how the state and tribes can work together on a project. In order to protect Minnesotans, we need to help equip our first responders and law enforcement."

Governor Pawlenty described the gift of AEDs as a public-private partnership that benefits all of Minnesota. He said the value of the gift was much higher to the families and friends of the people whose lives will be saved by these devices.

The project began in July 2006 with a donation of 66 Automatic External Defibrillators from the SMSC. Then an additional 66 AEDs were donated in fiscal year 2007. Finally, 67 AEDS were donated in fiscal 2008. The AEDs donated by the SMSC were placed in State Patrol cars in different areas of the state through the Mdewakanton LIFE Program.

The donation was a $2 match for every $3 spent by the state. The Community agreed to provide the non-state matching commitment required by 2006 Minn. Laws Ch. 282, Art. 12, Section 4. The state of Minnesota provided $312,000 in funding for 200 AEDs with the SMSC donating $200,000. Automatic External Defibrillators are used to apply a lifesaving shock to an individual whose heart has stopped beating. Defibrillation is the only known therapy for most sudden cardiac arrests, according to the American Heart Association. The project funded AEDs for state patrol cars to put these lifesaving devices in the hands of personnel who are often the first on the scene of a cardiac emergency, particularly in rural areas of the state.

The Mdewakanton Emergency Services Department administers the Mdewakanton LIFE program which donates defibrillators to organizations including law enforcement programs, and schools and provides free training on their use.

"The SMSC has an active AED program here on the SMSC reservation, with defibrillators in 24 different locations," said SMSC Director of Emergency Services Jim Muelken.

"We have had great success with the Tribal responders and equipment, and we want to make sure others have that same opportunity," said SMSC Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki. Mdewakanton Emergency Services and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Security officers have used defibrillators as part of their routine training and administering of assistance for Community members, staff, and guests for years. "Through the Mdewakanton LIFE Program, we have given away more than 254 defibrillators since 2004."

Michael W. Campion, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, spoke during the press conference and expressed his appreciation to the SMSC.

Also speaking during the press conference was Colonel Mark Dunaski, Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. "Our ultimate goal is to prevent injuries and deaths on Minnesota's traffic corridors, and this important gift will definitely help our cause. We're grateful to the Mdewakanton for their generosity and concern for the welfare of all Minnesotans."

In previous years the SMSC has donated defibrillators to local schools, tribes, fire departments, nursing homes, and other organizations.

Organizations in need of an AED may write a letter to the SMSC Business Council and mail it to Mdewakanton LIFE Program, Mdewakanton Emergency Services, 2330 Sioux Trail NW, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372. Inquiries may be made to 952-233-1077. A downloadable form is also available at www.mdefire.org.