Steve Radeke of Becker was recently awarded the Purple Heart award by the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office. The Purple Heart is an award given to those who have been wounded while on duty. Correctional Officer Radeke was awarded the very first Purple Heart award given by Sherburne County.
The Assault
In January of 2020, Steve Radeke was assaulted from behind by an inmate at the Sherburne County Jail. The inmate did not know Radeke personally, and in fact had never met him. When questioned later, the inmate claimed that he attacked because wanted to kill or severely harm one of the officers.
Radeke suffered a broken finger, broken ribs, bruised vocal chords, and a traumatic brain injury, among other injuries.
Recovery
Radeke has been working towards recovery and going back to work, although it has been a slow process, according to his wife, Michelle Radeke. COVID-19 has made it very hard for Radeke to see his doctor at the University of Minnesota, instead needing to settle for Zoom consultations.
Radeke was also later diagnosed with PTSD, and has been attending ongoing therapy sessions.
The Purple Heart
Last month, Radeke was awarded the Purple Heart from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s office.
“It was really something,” said Michelle Radeke, noting that it was the first Purple Heart ever awarded by the county. Unfortunately, the county was unable to hold a ceremony, due to COVID-19.
Radeke is continuing to work hard to recover, and his goal is to go back to work, although he knows he will not be able to step back into his former position right away.
The jail has also made a couple of changes after the incident last year, making it so officers are never alone on duty again.