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 2023 Board Members
BOARD MEMBER BOARD SEAT
Trooper Kevin Brisk MN State Patrol
Chief Pat Budke Buffalo Police Department
Sheriff Sean Deringer Wright County Sheriff Office
Virgil Hawkins Wright County Highway Engineer
Chad Hausmann Wright County Highway Dept
Sara Buermann Wright County Highway Dept
Emily Splittstozer Buffalo Hospital
Chief Pete Standafer Annandale Police Department
TBD Wright County Board of Commissioners
Brian Lutes (*VICE-CHAIR) Wright County Attorney
Tom Feddema Wright County Court Services
Brian Nord (*TREASURER) Allina Health EMS
Melissa Muering-Paulson School District Rep
Tim Prom School Board Rep
Sarah Grosshuesch Wright County Public Health
Chief Dave Thompson (*CHAIR) Howard Lake Police Department
Kai Sin Wright County Public Health
Joel Torkelson Wright County Public Health
Mona Volden Buffalo Hospital
Melissa Pribyl CentraCare Monticello
Amy LaVallee Just Drive
Bill Van Koevering Regional TZD Coordinator, MNDOT
Becky Putzke OTS LE Liaison
Michelle Wiebe MN Council on Aging
Lt. Eric Kunkel Wright County Sheriff's Office
Lt. Jeremy Wirkkula Wright County Sheriff's Office
Chief Pete Standafer Annandale Police Department
Seth Hanson Emergency Management Director, Wright County

 

Fatal Review Committee

Fatal Review Committee 2023
MEMBER AGENCY
Chad Hausmann Wright County Highway Department
Kevin Brisk MN State Patrol
Virgil Hawkins (Lead) Wright County Highway Department
Lori Blaukat  Safe Communities of Wright County
Sheriff Sean Deringer (+ involved staff) Wright County Sheriff's Office
Brian Nord Allina Health EMS
Trooper Kevin Brisk Minnesota State Patrol
Joel Torkelson Wright County Public Health
Kai Sin WC Public Health - Alcohol Programs
Emily Splittstozer Buffalo Hospital
Becky Putzke OTS LE Liaison
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?

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?

Become a partner with SCWC and help reduce crashes in your community.

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.

> More on how you can help.