A Storm Lake firefighter and three police officers will be honored this spring for saving a man’s life earlier this month.
According to the Storm Lake Police Department, Jason Hofman—a Storm Lake Public Works snow plow driver who also serves as a firefighter with the Storm Lake Fire Department—was on a routine shift clearing streets during the early morning hours of Dec. 7 when he noticed something unusual along the roadside. Lying in the snow was a man who was unconscious and unresponsive.
Hoffman immediately stopped his plow, called 911, and stayed with the victim until help arrived.
Within minutes, Storm Lake Police Lieutenant Alyssa Solem, officers Mitchell Fritz and Caleb Villhauer, and Emergency Medical Services personnel were on scene. Together, they began lifesaving measures in the freezing conditions.
The man was transported to the hospital and later flown to another facility in critical condition.
At the time, responders didn’t know if he would survive. The police department says that because of HIPAA laws, they often never learn how these emergencies turn out. Many times, officers and city staff provide help during someone’s worst moment and never hear another word.
But weeks later, this case took a rare and meaningful turn.
The man contacted the department to share that he had recovered. He personally thanked Hoffman and the officers for saving his life, and told them he was grateful to be alive for his four children.
The Storm Lake Police Department says moments like this are a reminder of why they serve, noting that while negative headlines often draw the most attention, countless positive acts by city workers and law enforcement happen every day in Storm Lake—quietly, without recognition, simply because it’s the right thing to do.
This spring, during Police Week, Hoffman, as well as Lt. Solem and Officers Fritz and Villhauer will be honored with the Lifesaving Award.
The police department says that “it’s a well-deserved recognition, but the greatest reward is knowing a life was saved and a family was kept whole.”
