OutdoorMN News - Cottonwood County deputy named 2016 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year

[Rick]

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Jayd Soderholm the 2016 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year. Soderholm teaches ATV safety to youth in the Windom area. 

He works as a deputy sheriff with Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Department and has responded to a number of accidents involving ATVs.

L-R. Jayd Soderholm and Conservation Officer Jen Mueller (regional training officer).

“Jayd (Soderholm) thinks outside of the box during his classroom and hands-on ATV course to keep kids involved and interested,” said Conservation Officer Dustin Miller (Windom station).

“The passion he delivers during the teaching of ATV safety is second to none. Parents are extremely supportive of the class and are happy the training is offered.”

Bruce Lawrence, DNR Enforcement recreational vehicle coordinator, said “Soderholm has built great relationships with local ATV dealerships and community leaders to have items donated, such as ATVs and helmets for students to use.”

The DNR ATV safety training program is for youth ages 11 and older offered by the nearly 1,000 DNR volunteer safety instructors. Since 2012 the numbers of youth attending ATV training has risen by 25 percent.  In 2016, 4,749 students received ATV safety certification.

Minnesota law requires that anyone born after July 1, 1987, must have a certificate if they are 11 or older and want to ride on public land, trails, and frozen waters. The course also is available for adults.

For more on ATV safety, visit the ATV safety page.

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