Pictured, standing from left: Mike Hofmann, American Red Cross; Jerel Nelsen, City of Staples; Melissa Larson, Staples Police Department; Tom Honek and Mike Gedde, both pickleball players; Sarah Henkemeyer and Matt Tixier, Lakewood EMS; kneeling, from left: Gail Honek, pickleball player; Lacey Aguirre, Staples Parks & Rec; Alayna Markuson, Lakewood EMS; and Rod Opheim, Lakewood Emergency Preparedness.
May 7, 2026: A sudden cardiac arrest during a pickleball game became a powerful reminder of why CPR training, AED access, and strong emergency response systems matter. Thanks to the quick-thinking actions of bystanders and emergency responders, Duane Strack was given the gift of more time with family and friends.
On January 22, during a pickleball game at the Staples Community Center, Strack collapsed after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Fellow pickleball players immediately rushed to help, beginning CPR while others called 911 and alerted staff.
Staples Parks & Recreation Director Lacey Aguirre grabbed an AED and jumped into action, coordinating the response and continuing lifesaving care until first responders from the Staples Police Department and Lakewood Health System’s EMS arrived.
On Tuesday, Aguirre was recognized with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders — the highest award given by the American Red Cross for using skills learned through Red Cross training to help save a life.
“[This lifesaving event] just shows that it takes a village to save a life and work together,” said Mike Hofmann, board member with the Central Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross, who presented the award. “Knowing CPR, knowing where AEDs are located, and recognizing the signs can make all the difference.”
But as speakers shared during the recognition ceremony, this lifesaving event was not about just one person. It was about teamwork and the willingness of bystanders to act without hesitation.
Rod Opheim, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Lakewood Health System, spoke during the ceremony about the importance of the “chain of survival” — bystanders beginning CPR immediately, followed by first responders and advanced medical care.
“Today, we want to celebrate the heroic actions that took place that day, and how this is exactly how the chain of survival is supposed to work,” Opheim said.
Lakewood staff attending the lifesaving recognition program to support this effort and colleagues, kneeling, Lisa Bjerga, Lakewood President/CEO; and Sarah Baumgartner, Vice President of Nursing; and far left, standing: Bobbie Poehler, Director of Emergency & Trauma Services. Also pictured, Matt Tixier, Sarah Henkemeyer, Alayna Markuson and Rod Opheim. Not pictured: Amber Houselog, EMS & Marketing.
In the weeks following the incident, more than 50 community members participated in Lakewood Health System’s free CPR and AED training which was inspired by what happened that day — another positive outcome as a result of the lifesaving event.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the ceremony came through the words of Duane Strack himself.
After his passing on March 9 at the age of 83, family members discovered a heartfelt thank you letter he had written about the lifesaving experience. Equal parts gracious, humorous and moving, the letter reflected on the people who stepped in to help save his life and the six additional weeks he was given with family and friends.
He praised the entire response effort.
“This kind of teamwork represents the whole community: the players who stepped in without hesitation, the staff who train for emergencies they hope never happen, and the first responders who carried it the rest of the way,” Strack wrote.
Strack’s letter left very few dry eyes in the room on Tuesday.
“You didn’t just save my life — you gave me more time with my family, friends, and more mornings to wake up, and yes, more chances to miss a few pickleball shots.”
Lakewood President and CEO Lisa Bjerga, who attended the recognition ceremony, said the event reflected the very best of the community.
“On behalf of Lakewood, and as a member of this community, I’m incredibly proud of Lacey and her actions in the moment,” Bjerga said. “This was a true community response, with bystanders and EMS working together seamlessly. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to have both engaged and trained community members, and strong local emergency services.”