(Waseca, MN) — A retired Waseca Police Officer is still following his dreams despite suffering a traumatic brain injury. Arik Matson was shot in the head while responding to a call in 2020, but he survived. Matson told KARE 11 he works toward recovery everyday but its been tough to relearn “abilities that seem second nature to everybody,” like walking. Now, with the help of Minnesota-based non-profit Hometown Hero Outdoors, he gets to do something he never dreamed of. The nonprofit is sponsoring his trip to Alaska to hunt King Eiders on the Bering Sea. Matson took off for the trip at MSP after dozens of officers, friends, and family members gathered for a surprise send-off.
MN Nonprofit Sends Retired Waseca Officer To AK For Dream Trip
About the Author: Ashley Hanley
Ashley (Goettl) Hanley is a North Mankato native and Mankato West graduate who made the switch from TV journalism to radio.
After five years at KEYC News 12, Ashley is thrilled to be working for KTOE News. Ashley and her husband John, and son John, enjoy spending time in the community. You can also find Ashley coaching and playing softball and supporting her brother on the MSU football team and her sister with Scarlet athletics.
Even though she went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Ashley kept her Minnesota roots and is a big Twins and Vikings fan!