Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeremy Reed displays a LUCAS CPR chest compression machine like the one commissioners approved buying for the Brown County Jail Tuesday. The existing LUCAS machine is used in sheriff’s office squad vehicles.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a LUCAS 3 Chest Compression System for county jail use and a moving target system for the sheriff’s office Tuesday.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl talked about the need for a CPR chest compression machine in the jail.

“We’ve had two jail deaths and other incidents where people did not die. It happens more than you think,” said Seidl. “We’d like to use this for training too. Half our staff does first responder training every year. We’re looking at using this device for refresher training and for new people that come on staff.”

“Any individual who has worked with these machines realizes they are an incredible resource. I certainly support this,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

Approval of the LUCAS machine came on a motion by Borchert, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.

Cost is $15,171.10 through the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, a global philanthropy committed to helping people live better lives and create stronger, healthier futures for individuals and communities. The cost compares to up to a $25,000 retail price for the CPR system, according to Brown County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeremy Reed.

The organization partners with people and organizations to invest in new ideas or research across six program areas: Crohn’s Disease, Israel, rural healthcare, Type 1 diabetes, and vulnerable children in Sub-Saharan Africa and New York City.

Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a $7,499.97 moving target system for the sheriff’s office, motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Tony Berg. The mechanical setup allows a shooting target to travel along a track or surface, simulating real-world motion with lateral or vertical movement challenging shooters to adjust their aim, timing and decision-making on the fly.