Aaron Follmer, age 24, died in his home in Aberdeen, SD on Feb. 11. A resident of Aberdeen since 2013, Aaron had moved from Big Lake to begin his career as a police officer with the Aberdeen Police Department.

 

Aaron was born to Brian and Anne Follmer on January 17, 1992.  He grew up with a love for fishing and played offensive tackle for the Elk River Elks.  His most indelible passion, however, can be traced back to the age of 4 when he had his first opportunity to sit in a patrol car.  Since that time, Aaron knew that his calling was law enforcement.

 

Aaron accepted a reserve position with the Big Lake Police Department and ultimately rose to the rank of sergeant.  Aaron attended college at Anoka/Ramsey and St. Cloud State.  On July 15th of 2013, Aaron accepted fulltime employment as a police officer with the City of Aberdeen.

 

Aaron quickly became a rising star within the department.  He received the Lifesaving Award before the city commission for his actions on 02/28/2014 when he administered CPR to a woman who ultimately survived the incident. Doctors credited Follmer’s fast response and decisive action as being vital to her survival.

 

In his short career, Officer Follmer had already become a certified drug recognition expert and was slated to become an emergency vehicle operations instructor this summer.  Officer Follmer was integral to the training of APD Explorer recruits and loved speaking to students.  He also organized the “Shop with a Cop” program which helps disadvantaged families.

 

Aaron is survived by his parents, Brian and Anne Follmer, his siblings Austin (age 20), Kali (age 17), and Hanna (age 14), his grandparents Robert and Marie Harwarth, grandmother JoAnn Follmer, aunts Amy (Jeff) Kvilhaug and Kim (Jimmy) Hines, cousins Caleb and Samuel Kvilhaug, and Caylie and Collin Hines.

 

Funeral service were Fri. Feb. 19 at Elk River Lutheran Church (763-633-1181), 729 Main St NW, Elk River. www.daresfuneralser