Fredrickson hailed as hero by community he serves in

Surrounded by members of his family, firefighter Justin Fredrickson (standing, middle) accepted a plaque from the City of Cornell, during a presentation at the Cornell Area Fire Department hall April 19. The plaque recognizes Fredrickson, who was seriously injured on a fire call in February, for outstanding bravery and dedicated service. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

In just two months, Cornell firefighter Justin Fredrickson’s life has seen some major shake-ups, that began when he was injured on a fire call assist Feb. 19. While manning a water hose at a burning house near Sheldon, Fredrickson was struck in the abdomen by a bullet from a weapon that exploded in the blaze, under the extreme heat.

Treatment of Fredrickson began immediately by EMS on-site and the 35-year-old was then transported to a Ladysmith hospital, and later airlifted to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire, where he underwent surgery.

Fredrickson required a second and third surgery, with his condition listed as critical. Prayers from the firefighting family and the surrounding communities went up, and were answered, as Fredrickson moved past the critical condition and eventually came home March 5.

Back on solid foods again and at home in familiar surroundings, with family and friends, Fredrickson’s journey to healing accelerated. He is now back at work and back on call with the Cornell Area Fire Department, doing what he loves to do.

As a way to thank Fredrickson for his service, and express how grateful the community is to have the firefighter back and well, the Cornell City Council presented Fredrickson with a plaque April 19. The plaque was given, in recognition of outstanding bravery and dedicated service.

“I want to thank you for your efforts in keeping Cornell, and the surrounding area, safer,” said mayor Mark Larson.

Council member and former Cornell Area Ambulance Service member Ashley Carothers, added her gratitude that Fredrickson has made such an inspiring recovery, as she considers him “family” as part of the emergency personnel world.

“It’s just amazing to see the recovery that you’ve had,” said Carothers.

Steve Turany, council president, also expressed his happiness that Fredrickson is OK, as did council members Bill Kvapil, Floyd Hickethier and Terry Smith.

“I just know how fast bad stuff can happen, so it’s excellent that you’ve recovered like this,” said Smith. “You live one day at a time after this.”

Larson said he personally wants to thank each and every firefighter on the department, for their service and the work they do to keep people safe.

“I want you to know, that you are not taken for granted by myself, my family or this community,” said Larson. “You do an outstanding job.”

With his family by his side, as they have been from the beginning, Fredrickson says he is very appreciative of the recognition and happy to be back, not only at work, but with the fire department. Fredrickson has been with the department 16 years, and while the accident slowed him down, it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for serving the community, since he has always wanted to be a fireman.

“I’m living the dream,” he said