PO Box 339

St Michael, MN

763-241-9888

Info@safecomm.org

About Us

Mission Statement

Reduce injuries and fatalities associated with traffic crashes in Wright County, Minnesota through safety education and prevention.

Method

The Safe Communities model addresses traffic safety issues through a multifaceted approach known as the 4 Es – Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Medical Services. SCWC collaborates with a broad base of local leadership to address these areas and make Wright County roads safer for everyone.

History

In 1997, a group of concerned citizens noted the high number of crashes and fatalities occurring in Wright County and came together to address the issue.
Today, Safe Communities of Wright County has formalized to become a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is on the leading edge of traffic safety in our state and across the country.

Partners

  • Buffalo Hospital
  • Allina Health EMS
  • Annandale Police Department
  • Buffalo Police Department
  • CentraCare Health – Monticello
  • Howard Lake Police Department
  • Wright County Sheriff’s Office
  • Wright County Highway Department
  • Wright County Public Health
  • Wright County Attorney’s Office
  • Wright County Board of Commissioners
  • Wright County Court Services
  • Wright County School Districts: Annandale, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose, Dassel-Cokato, Delano, Howard Lake, Maple Lake, Monticello, Rockford, and St. Michael-Albertville
  • MN Department of Public Safety – Office of Traffic Safety
  • MN Department of Transportation
  • MN State Patrol

Board of Directors

Safe Communities of Wright County 2024 Board Members
BOARD MEMBERBOARD SEAT
Trooper Kevin BriskMN State Patrol
Chief Pat BudkeBuffalo Police Department
Sheriff Sean DeringerWright County Sheriff Office
Chad HausmannWright County Highway Engineer
Cody SedbrookHighway Department | Wright County, MN – Official Website
Sara BuermannHighway Department | Wright County, MN – Official Website
Emily SplittstozerBuffalo Hospital
Chief Pete StandaferAnnandale Police Department
Tina DiedrickWright County Board of Commissioners
Brian Lutes (*VICE-CHAIR)Wright County Attorney
Tom FeddemaWright County Court Services
Brian Nord (*TREASURER)Allina Health EMS
Melissa Muehring-PaulsonSchool District Rep
Tim PromSchool Board Rep
Sarah GrosshueschWright County Public Health
Chief Dave Thompson (*CHAIR)Howard Lake Police Department
Kai SinWright County Public Health
Joel TorkelsonWright County Public Health
Melissa PribylCentraCare – Monticello | CentraCare Hospitals
Amy LaValleeHome | Justdrive (justdriveday.com)
Bill Van KoeveringRegional TZD Coordinator, MNDOT
Becky PutzkeOTS LE Liaison
Michelle WiebeCMCOA – Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Lt. Eric KunkelWright County Sheriff Office
Lt. Jeremy WirkkulaWright County Sheriff Office
Chief Pete StandaferPolice – Annandale, MN
Seth HansonEmergency Management Director, Wright County

Fatal Review Committee

Fatality and Serious Injury Review Committee 2024
MEMBER AGENCY
Zachary Whitley
Griffin Enyart
MN DOT Asst District Traffic Engineer
Chad Hausmann
Sara Buermann
Wright County Highway Department
Kevin BriskMN State Patrol
Cody SedbrookWright County Highway Department
Michelle Sandquist
Melissa Muehring-Paulson
Interim Executive Directors
Safe Communities of Wright County
Sheriff Sean Deringer (+ involved staff)
Lt. Jeremy Wirkkula
Wright County Sheriff’s Office
Brian NordAllina Health EMS
Trooper Kevin BriskMinnesota State Patrol
Joel TorkelsonWright County Public Health
Sarah GrosshueschWright County Public Health
Kai SinWC Public Health – Alcohol Programs
Emily SplittstozerBuffalo Hospital
Becky PutzkeOTS LE Liaison
Tom FeddemaWright County Probation
Brian LutesWright County Attorney
AS NEEDED, BASED UPON CRASH LOCATION:  
Chief Pat Budke (+ involved staff)Buffalo Police Department
Chief Pete Standafer (+ involved staff)Annandale Police Department
Chief Dave Thompson (+ involved staff)Howard Lake Police Department

WHAT CAN I DO?

WEAR A SEAT BELT:
Seat belts save lives. Every person should buckle up in every seat every time.

DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT:
Drive safe, drive smart, and drive the speed limit.

CONCENTRATE ON DRIVING:
Crashes aren’t accidents. Pay attention always!

DRIVE SOBER:
Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Impairment begins with the first drink. Never drive drunk or get into a vehicle with a drunk driver!

HOW CAN I HELP?

  1. Become a partner with SCWC and help reduce crashes in your community. Contact us now at 763-241-9888.
  2. Follow us on Facebook and share our posts!
  3. You can help make Wright County a safer place to travel. There are a variety of ways that you can become involved to promote traffic safety among your neighbors, family, friends, employees and customers. Contact us for more information.