Public Safety Educational Exhibit Appreciation

On Friday, April 6^th, 2018 at 10:50 pm Ramsey Police & Fire Departments and Allina Paramedics were dispatched to a personal injury accident on Hwy 47 (St Francis Blvd NW) in the City of Ramsey, where it was reported one vehicle rolled over. The Minnesota State Patrol, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Anoka Police Department also responded to assist.

Officers arrived and found the driver Joey Anderson, who had not been wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and had died at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle who had been wearing his seat belt was walking around and treated for minor injuries. Speed, alcohol, distracted driving, and no seat belt were factors related to this crash.

Joey’s father Wade Anderson later came to the Ramsey Police Department, and expressed how he and his family wanted to use the crashed car Joey had been driving to help make others aware of the reality of these types of incidents, and the importance of driving sober, not speeding, not driving distracted, and wearing your seat belt. Joey always wore his seatbelt; but for some reason which will be forever unknown, he was not wearing it during this trip.

A local Ramsey business M & G Trailer (7575 Hwy 10 NW) generously donated the trailer which will be used to transport the vehicle to different locations.

A local Anoka business North Star Towing (833 North St) generously donated their time and the equipment to permanently attached the vehicle to the trailer, so it can be safely transported to the various locations it will be on display at.

While the vehicle is on display at schools, county fairs, and city events, it will be an educational exhibit. Officers, Deputies, and Troopers can this as a tool to educate the public on the reality of these events, and the importance of following the laws put into place to protect us.

Wade Anderson, and the Anderson family, generously donated the vehicle, a 2007 silver BMW. Carrie Dubbelde who is a family member of Joey created the safety banners which will be on display around the vehicle, as well as the plaques which will be given in appreciation to M & G Trailer, North Star Towing, and the Anderson Family. The wrap-around banner serves many purposes; it lists facts to educate the public, it conveys a personal message and is a memorial to Joey, and it’s a physical safety barrier to keep the public back from the sharp pieces exposed on the vehicle. Donations were generously made by the Anderson family to pay for the banner and plaques.

The ability to use this vehicle as an exhibit will be extremely valuable as a Public Safety education tool, allowing first responders to convey the importance of traffic laws and real dangers of operating vehicles to citizens.

Guests will be present to receive their appreciation plaques. The vehicle and trailer can be seen on display tonight parked on Sunwood Drive in front of City Hall. The exhibits first use will be at Ramsey’s Happy Days, Saturday, September 7^th, 2019.