Dawson Woman Receives TZD Award

A woman from Dawson was among those honored recently for their outstanding work to reduce the number of life-changing crashes on Minnesota roads.

Each received a 2024 Toward Zero Deaths Award during a ceremony attended by more than 800 of the state’s leading traffic safety professionals meeting in St. Cloud for Minnesota’s 24th annual State TZD conference.

The Emergency Medical Services Star award was given to Ann Jenson.

Jenson is Executive Director of Southwest Minnesota EMS and officials say she demonstrates exceptional dedication and leadership in supporting the TZD traffic safety mission, going above and beyond to secure vital resources, educational equipment, training opportunities and grants.

She recently piloted a telehealth program for ambulances responding to traumatic events such as motor vehicle crashes—a game-changer for greater Minnesota providers that will help to increase the survival rates of crash victims.

In addition, Ann was instrumental in applying for a $9.9 million grant with the USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All, which was awarded to southwest Minnesota EMS Corp to implement a regional tele-EMS system.