RED LAKE, Minn. — A Red Lake Tribal Police conservation officer has died after having a medical emergency while on duty.
According to police, Shannon "Opie" Barron, 48, was nearing the end of his shift when he responded to a call of suspected illegal harvesting. After clearing the call, Barron was not feeling well and requested EMS to his location north of Red Lake, just off of Highway 89.
Red Lake police say officers on scene performed life-saving measures until Barron was brought to the hospital. CPR continued but was unsuccessful.
Barron's cause of death will be determined by the Ramsey County Coroner.
"Even to the last moment, officer Barron gave his life in protecting the resources belonging to the people of Red Lake Nation," Red Lake Tribal Police posted on their Facebook page.
They said Barron would show up to back up officers "out of the blue," even when he wasn't asked.
"He was a staunch defender when it came to protecting the natural resources of the nation and constantly stood side by side with the officers in the department regardless of the type of call it was," they wrote.
Police also said he was known for his concern for the safety of younger officers, and was always helping them to improve.
Barron has served with the Red Lake Department of Public Safety for 19 years. He leaves behind a wife, two children, an aunt and numerous relatives.
