Dakota County officials make daring rescue 250 feet up a radio tower
EAGAN, Minn. — An incredible climb 250 feet up a radio tower to make a sky-high save.
"I've never experienced anything this physical or mentally draining," said Sgt. Alex Eckstein.
Early Thursday morning, a typical shift for Eckstein turned into high stakes save when a call came through for a man in crisis atop a radio tower off Cliff Road.
"You're thinking a lot of things, how are we going to get there, how did this person get up there, how are we going to get this person down," Eckstein said.
He's a member of The Dakota County Special Operations Team, a group of 36 members of police, fire, and EMS agencies that operate as highly skilled rescuers.
New drone footage really puts it into perspective just how high up they were.
"250 feet, 25-30 min climbing straight is pretty daunting," Eckstein recalled.
His partner Chief Sam Seal was already at the top with the man waiting for Eckstein to get in position.
"I started building rapport even before we got there as I'm climbing up I started talking to him letting him know I'm on my way," Seal said. "Went to training for it and never thought I'd call 250 ft to get someone down."
Seal Utilized the high angle rope rescue, managed to reach that man in crisis and safely repel down with him.
A team effort, rooted in training that led to a successful save.
"We don't want to do it again, but we will be prepared for it," Eckstein said.
Authorities say the man was later transported to a local hospital.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
