Cook County Sheriff’s Office reacts to loss of emergency services member

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office today announced—with great sadness—the passing of one of its own.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Portage ambulance, North Shore Health ambulance, and Hovland First Responders responded to a medical call at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, for a suspected cardiac event at the home of 58-year-old Dispatcher/Jailer Dawn Wagner.

Responders arrived at the home on Wilderness Trail at Tom Lake in Hovland to find that CPR had been initiated by Wagner’s husband. Attempts to resuscitate Wagner were unsuccessful.

“A wonderful light in our midst has moved on and we are heartbroken,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen. “It is always difficult to respond to calls that end in a loss of life, but exceptionally difficult when it is a colleague and friend. This is a big loss for our team, and our hearts and prayers are with Dawn’s family.”

Wagner served many years as a 911 dispatcher, in Colorado and in Minnesota. She joined the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in 2017.

An autopsy will be completed to determine the official cause of death.

Program:
North Shore News Hour

WTIP Staff March 1, 2020