The North Memorial Medical Center hosted the Minnesota Public Safety Service Awards program on November 11, 2004 to honor those individuals who distinguished themselves through acts of dedication or heroism and who might otherwise go unnoticed.

St. Louis County Deputy Todd Abernethy was presented with an Award of Honor for his heroic actions on August 3, 2004.  Deputy Abernethy responded to a call of a man starting himself and his house on fire.  Arriving at the scene, Abernethy approached the residence and observed smoke and flames.  He called several times for the man and finally heard him in a back room, but was unable to see due to the smoke.  Abernethy entered the house and observed the ceiling, floor and all the contents were on fire.  After several attempts he located the man and tried to pull him out.  To no avail, Abernethy summoned a firefighter and showed him where the man was located.  He was pulled from the house but later succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Abernethy was honored for his courageous actions and disregard for his own safety.

The Award of Honor is awarded to any person who, conscious of danger, distinguishes himself or herself by the outstanding performance of an act of gallantry and valor at imminent personal hazard to life, above and beyond the call of duty; awarded for demonstration of initiative and/or courage in dangerous or emergency conditions which result in successful resolution of the situation; or awarded for performance of an act under conditions which render a clear and present danger to personal safety.

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