Heeter saved the life of a person choking on a piece of food

Photo by Tom Hintgen
County Solid Waste employee Nick Heeter, right, was recognized for a successful life-saving effort by county commissioners on Aug. 13. At left is County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson.

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

On June 17 Otter Tail County solid waste employee Nick Heeter, while on lunch break at a restaurant, was with a restaurant guest who began to choke on food and could not breathe. Heeter performed abdominal thrusts on the guest which dislodged the obstruction and the guest began to breathe.

“Nick’s actions no doubt saved the life of this person,” said County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood. “Otter Tail County is pleased to recognize and applaud these heroic actions which embody our county government’s mission to make positive impacts on the lives of others.”

Several people were on hand at the county board meeting when Heeter received his official Letter of Commendation from the County Board of Commissioners.