BLOMKEST, Minn. (WCCO) — Leaders in a small city in Western Minnesota say a volunteer firefighter killed throughout final evening’s storm was instrumental in making their metropolis what it was.
Sixty-three-year-old Ryan Erickson was killed when a grain bin on his household’s farm collapsed on his automotive. The state is contemplating the loss a line-of-duty loss of life.
On Thursday night, Ben Vlaminck, the assistant hearth chief on the City of Blomkest, says they acquired a name for a search occurring simply a few miles from town’s downtown. On their means, he says that’s when it set in for him and his group that they’d be trying to find certainly one of their very own.
They have been responding to the Erickson household farm, dwelling to Ryan Erickson, who had been with the division for many years.
Erickson, who was 63, was crushed beneath a grain bin and later handed away.
Community members say he was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and pal who was fast to assist in any means he may.
READ MORE: Firefighter Killed In Blomkest During 2nd Night Of Dangerous Storms
The hearth group in Blomkest says for them the fact of the scenario remains to be setting in.
“Chaotic. As far as bringing in all of our resources that we brought in within the county, it was amazing to watch everyone work as a team even though they knew the circumstances of what was going on,” Vlaminck stated.
Erickson is survived by his spouse, two daughters and several other grandchildren.
“He was my go to person if I needed something,” stated City of Blomkest Mayor Doug Hopp. “If I needed help or anything. He was my go-to person.”
“I think of what an impact this is going to have on our lives because he was so very important to our daily activities and the things we did,” stated Blomkest Clerk Barb Gilberts. “It will be a long adjustment.”
