Reserve deputy who was hit by car has died

[Livenlearn]

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=827175&catid=391

A reserve deputy with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office who was hit by a car Saturday night in Maplewood has died of his injuries.

Ramsey County says 56-year-old Michael Wilken of Newport died at Regions Hospital early this morning from complications related to injuries from the accident. He was initially admitted with multiple critical injuries after getting hit near the intersection of White Bear Avenue and Frost Avenue.

The accident happened in front of the Fright Farm Haunted House where Wilken was directing traffic.

The Fright Farm Haunted House is operated by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office with proceeds going to the Ramsey County DARE program. Wilken was volunteering at the haunted house when the accident happened.

The State Patrol was called in to reconstruct the accident.


Ramsey County says Wilken was a Reserve Deputy with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. He volunteered with the department on hundreds of events including parades, community festivals, parks and water patrol.

"Mike was an outstanding volunteer who loved serving others and gave his own time to help with numerous events in the community. His commitment is to be greatly admired" says Sgt. Eric Bradt of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

Wilken is survived by his wife Donna and two grown children. Funeral arrangements are pending.

[squad51]

Prayers out to the family friends and coworkers

[natedog54]

If I had nickle for everytime I was almost hit by a car directing traffic as a reserve I could have retired in my second year of volunteering. This is extremely sad. Very rare that you see a LODD for a reserve, at least here in MN. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

[Nikk]

As I was reading this thread my brother called to tell me about it. I was critically injured several years ago after hit by a car. My heart goes out to his family and fellow officers.

[BD0883]

A very sad day for our entire department. Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Deputy Wilken, you will be missed greatly.

[gopherpuckfan]

Rest in peace, Deputy.

[WCSO]

RIP brother

[Wilkinotti]

I worked with Mike at many events over the years. He will be missed.

[GlockGuy08]

It is amazing to think that someone who has a heart big enough to volunteer his own time to assist the public can be the victim of such a tragedy. My prayers are with his family. RIP partner.

[natedog54]

"There's nothing stronger then the heart of a volunteer." - Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle

[yangsTa]

There have been many times where I've almost been hit in that exact location while directing traffic.

RIP.

[King4904]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Wilken's family, friends and department. Rest In Peace Brother.

[phillydog07]

RIP Mike. Thanks for your service.

[LB-1]

I also volunteered with Mike in Ramsey County for a couple of years, and I can say everything they have stated about is more than true. He was a big contributor towards spending hundreds of hours volunteering in the Water Patrol Unit for years. Whenever I worked with him, he liked and truly enjoyed his assisngments and interacting with the community. He would always go out of his way to engage the general public, and would lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. He was extremely dedicated towards volunteering. Above all he was a great guy to talk too and work with, he never complained about anything. Extremly tragic what happend, he will be missed by many.

[phillydog07]

According to KSTP, the funeral has been set for Friday.

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1213929.shtml?cat=1