Isanti County sergeant honored for saving family in November car crash

Ten months after a horrific crash that left members of one family severely injured, Isanti County is honoring the officer who saved them.
Isanti County Sgt. Wade Book was recognized for his heroic actions in front of the Isanti County Board of Commissioners during its Sept. 7 board meeting.
On Nov. 21, 2015, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the Bodell family was driving on County Road 45 in Isanti Township when they were struck by a drunken driver, Brandon Thomas Rossmeisl. Rossmeisl was sentenced in April to one year in jail for his role in the crash.
The crash left members of the Bodell family seriously injured. In the car at the time was Erica Bodell and her three children Kaleb, 10, Gabriel, 6, and Havana, 3. At the time of the collision, Book had to attend to Havana because she was not breathing due to a broken neck. She was nonresponsive, but Book was able to position her in a way so that she could breathe.
Officers and emergency responders said it was the quick response and actions of Book that saved Havana’s life. The family said they have since recovered from the majority of their injuries, but a few face complications may affect them for the rest of their lives.