ASHBY — When posed with the question of whether saving lives is considered heroic, individuals such as ambulance workers, firefighters, nurses, and law enforcement officers often downplay their actions, attributing it simply to fulfilling their duties. However, the perspective shifts drastically when the same question is directed towards those whose lives have been rescued.
Addressing a captivated audience comprising family, friends, community members, and the very individuals instrumental in saving her life, Becky Sletto of Brandon expressed her heartfelt gratitude. She acknowledged their tendency to minimize their role, stating, “You guys always dismiss yourselves, you’re just doing your job. I know how it works. It’s no big deal, right? But it is a huge deal. You save peoples’ lives. That’s something to be proud of…I don’t even know if saying thank you is really enough. But holy smokes, thank you all for being here and thank you for your service.”
Sletto’s emotional address took place at the Ashby American Legion on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, as part of the city’s Celebration of Service, dedicated to honoring the members of the Ashby Fire Department and Ashby Ambulance. Her profound gratitude stemmed from the life-saving efforts extended to her following a snowmobile accident in February 2023.
During the event, Ashby Mayor Amy Johnson led the proceedings, expressing gratitude to all attendees for joining in to acknowledge the volunteers serving on the city’s fire department and ambulance crew. The inaugural community open house event was inspired by the swift and effective care provided on the day of Sletto’s accident, involving not only the fire department and ambulance crew but also a fortuitous nurse, Kasey Brandenburger, and a good Samaritan.
Brandenburger, hailed as a ‘hometown hero,’ along with her husband, happened to be present in Ashby on the fateful day. Reacting promptly to the distressing situation, Brandenburger rushed to aid Sletto, who had sustained a severe injury—her femoral artery was lacerated, causing profuse bleeding. Her timely intervention in stemming the bleeding, before the arrival of fire and ambulance teams mere minutes after the emergency call, was lauded by Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Froemming.
Froemming, reflecting on the critical moments following the accident, emphasized the significance of Brandenburger’s presence, attributing it to divine intervention. He underscored the pivotal role she played in saving Sletto’s life, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Johnson as she presented Brandenburger with Ashby’s first-ever Hometown Hero Award.
Sletto, recounting her arduous journey post-accident, highlighted the unwavering support and care she received. Airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital, she underwent numerous surgeries and transfusions, battling through a challenging year marked by medical procedures and recovery. Despite the hardships, Sletto found solace in the belief that every individual present that day was part of a greater plan, orchestrated by a higher power.
In a poignant moment, Sletto acknowledged the collective effort that sustained her, emphasizing that her survival was a testament to the selfless dedication of those who intervened. She recognized the inherent goodness and compassion displayed by the volunteers, resonating with a universal quest for hope and love in a troubled world.
The event culminated in a heartfelt acknowledgment of all emergency responders, with Sletto struggling to find words to convey her profound gratitude. As Mayor Johnson recognized and thanked each firefighter and ambulance crew member for their service, the community came together to honor these unsung heroes, whose commitment and sacrifice epitomize the essence of service and selflessness.