Staff photo by Fritz Busch Law enforcement members received Medals of Valor and Merit Tuesday by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office for involvement in the capture a man suspected of the murder of Algona, Iowa Police Officer Kevin Cram’s murder suspect on Sept. 13, 2023 in rural Brown County. From left, Brown County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Julie Hellendrung-Medal of Merit and Medal of Valor recipients Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Valerie Hauser, Sleepy Eye Police Officers Peter McGarry and Taylor Bolinger and Brown County Sherriff’s Office Deputies Justin Robertson and Jason Fairbairn.

NEW ULM — Six southern Minnesota law enforcement members involved in the capture of a man suspected of killing Algona, Iowa, police officer Kevin Cram in 2023 were awarded medals Tuesday by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Kyle Ricke, was captured in rural Brown County just hours after the shooting death of Cram on Sept. 13, 2023. Ricke was found guilty of first-degree murder by a Dickinson County, Iowa, jury in July.

Brown County Sheriff’s Deputies Jason Fairbairn and Justin Robertson, Sleepy Eye Police Officers Taylor Bolinger and Peter McGarry and Minnesota State Trooper Valerie Hauser received the Medal of Valor. The medal is awarded to licensed peace officers who distinguish themselves with extraordinary acts of bravery or heroism above and beyond that normally expected in the line of duty. To receive the award, employees must display extreme courage by placing their own safety in immediate peril in the pursuit of their duties.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Julie Hellendrung received the Medal of Merit, awarded for superior handling of the most difficult situation by civilian personnel.

“Things went quickly that night. Thanks to everyone here, we were able to coordinate a plan for the capture,” Fairbairn said after receiving his medal.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl said on the night of Sept. 13, 2023, Hellendrung began receiving information on a suspect who shot and killed Algona, Iowa, police officer Kevin Cram. The information showed Ricke’s movements were being tracked through his vehicle and his route was leading Iowa authorities to a rural residence near Sleepy Eye, where the suspect has family.

Hellendrung coordinated with deputies Fairbairn and Robertson with the information. She continued to receive information from multiple sources while Deputy Fairbairn coordinated a law enforcement response, working with Sleepy Eye Police Officers McGarry and Bollinger plus Trooper Hauser.

The five officers were assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol Air Unit. Deputy Fairbairn collected details from Iowa authorities. Officer Bolinger had a phone call with the suspect and his sister and confirmed the Ricke’s location which was confirmed by the State Patrol Air Unit.

Ricke initially wanted to walk out of the farmyard and down a driveway surrounded by cornfields. Ricke later went to his knees in front of a garage, facing the garage door, away from officers before he was arrested without incident.

“I commend the response of these five law enforcement officers, including the organization, collaboration, and their actions to lead this response,” said Seidl.

“The officers understood the stress level was high. They worked in coordination with the State Patrol Air Unit and led the tactical approach on the ground, which resulted in the peaceful arrest of the murder suspect,” he said.

“Not only did these officers conduct the arrest, they recognized the importance of a much larger investigation by ensuring the scene was safe and secure for additional investigation and evidence to be collected,” Seidl said.

He said an arrest of any homicide suspect is high risk. Executing the arrest of a suspect who shot and killed a police officer three hours earlier, increased the stress level.

“In my opinion, all the involved law enforcement officers may never be involved in an arrest that carries a high risk in their professional careers,” he said.

“Knowing this suspect had no regard for life, including the lives of the men and women who have chosen to serve in the law enforcement profession by serving their community. I commend this fine group of men and women for their professional work and collaboration they displayed on the night of Sept. 13, 2023. This truly was a team effort,” Seidl said.

“I must also recognize and express how proud I am of all the work the members of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, correction officers, dispatchers and support staff, do daily. We have great people serving the citizens of Brown County as well as all of our law enforcement and first responder partners in the Brown County,” he said.