BURNETT COUNTY — On Saturday, October 19th, 2024, the Burnett County Sheriff's Office awarded Owen Beierman a Hero Award for saving his father's life during a bear attack. While hunting with his father on September 7th, Owen witnessed a bear charge and severely injured his dad. Despite the life-threatening situation, Owen remained calm, cleared a weapon malfunction, and shot the bear, saving his father's life. The Sheriff's Office praised Owen's bravery and quick thinking, recognizing him as a true hero with a bright future ahead.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, we awarded Owen Beierman a Hero Award after saving his dad from a bear attack.
On September 7, 2024, Owen went on what was to be believed to be a normal hunt, excited to spend some time with his father and to hopefully harvest a bear. Once a shot was taken, the father-son duo started tracking and that is when things changed. The bear charged and took down Owen's dad and he was badly injured.
In Law Enforcement, we have to change and make decisions in the blink of an eye. Owen saw a traumatic and dangerous situation unfold in front of him. Most people would freeze, panic, or even pass out in the face of danger.
Owen was awarded this hero award because he is clearly built different. He calmly cleared a weapon malfunction, took proper aim and shot at the bear saving his father's life.
We train for situations, malfunctions and stress, however this shows that even though Owen is 12 years old when this happened, he has ice water in his veins and love in his heart.
Owen, you are truly a hero and The Burnett County Sheriff's Office sees great things in your future!
-- Per Tracy Finch, Burnett County Sheriff
Last Update: Oct 21, 2024 1:05 pm CDT
