The Sun 02.13.19

Page 1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

VOL. 121 NO. 28 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

SPORTS: OHS and SCF wrestlers win Regionals. PAGE 14-15

Osceola Medical Center names new CEO CONTRIBUTED OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER

Matthew Forge of Cottonwood, Id., has been named chief executive officer of Osceola Medical Center. “We could not be more excited to fill this key position with an individual that has the talents and enthusiasm Matt possesses,” according to Al Hogen, chair of the Osceola Medical Center Board of Directors. Forge comes to OMC from Essentia Health in Idaho where he has been chief administrative officer, running the daily operations of two, 25-bed, critical access hospitals in Orofino and Cottonwood. “I am in health care because it is about people and communities,” Forge said. “Every decision we make and every action we take has the ability to improve lives in our communities, and that is something that really resonates with me.” From an early age, Forge has been interested in health care. “I have known I wanted to be in the health-care field since high school, and have taken every step since then, from working throughout college in emergency room admissions at my local hospital, to my graduate degree at the University of Minnesota and to the critical access hospitals in Orofino and Cottonwood in order to prepare to hopefully make a positive difference at OMC and the region we serve.” Forge said that, even though his time in the area has been limited so far, “I am really im-

Matthew Forge pressed with the commitment the community shows to supporting one another. From the new Discovery Center to the football turf, school facilities and all the way to the hospital, it is clear that Osceola is a united community that cares about one another, and I couldn’t be more excited to join this family. Everyone that I’ve connected with has been incredibly friendly, helpful and inviting, which has really made the transition easy to this point.” “We look forward to Matt coming to OMC, and are confident he will provide the type of leadership we need to navigate through the challenging and changing face of health care,” Hogen said. “His passion to positively impact people’s lives aligns with that of OMC’s employees and providers, and Matt is as excited to become a member of the Osceola community as we are to have him join us.” Outside of the medical center, Forge enjoys camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, friends and family, and playing sports, especially basketball.

SSUZANNE LINDGREN G | THE SUN S

Osceola Firefighters Ball Osceola Fire Chief Don Stark thanks contributors to the silent auction at the Osceola Firefighters Ball. The annual fundraiser was held Saturday, Feb. 9, and saw a good turnout.

Law enforcement sees uptick in officer suicides Sheriff’s office focuses on prevention BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Few would argue with the notion that law enforcement is dangerous work. In recent years, however, a disturbing trend has surfaced. Despite the dangers of the field, officers have become more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

A study of data from 2017 by the Ruderman Foundation found 129 police officers had died in the line of duty. At least 140 died by suicide. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is taking steps to address this trend, reported Sheriff Brent Waak, starting with increased support for county deputies. “You see a lot of death and destruction in law enforcement,” Waak said. “We’re on edge all day and when we get home we can zone out. It can create all sorts

Sheriff Brent Waak of problems if it’s not handled correctly. We know when our guys go to fatal crashes and

things like that it can take a toll over time. “We’ve always had a concern about wellness. We’ve suffered losses in this community. Officers have taken their lives and it’s heartbreaking. This is finally starting to be recognized.” The county does have supports in place already, including access to counselors and a chaplain. However, Waak reported, some officers hesitate to take SEE SUICIDE, PAGE 10

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