DNR conservation officer who died in the line of duty remembered as ‘best of the best’

Community members are mourning the loss of conservation officer Sarah Grell, 39, who died in the line of duty Monday.

Fishing guide Tom Neustrom told Hubbard Broadcasting sister station WDIO-TV that he remembers meeting Grell for the first time.

"It was on Wabana Lake," Neustrom told WDIO. "She engaged really well, big smile, no attitude."

Neustrom told WDIO they had a nice conversation.

"I was very impressed. I’m a big person on first impressions, and I was impressed with her," Neustrom recalled. "I wish every warden on the water was like her."

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Grell died following a two-vehicle crash near Grand Rapids that involved a semi. The Minnesota State Patrol said the officer was driving a pickup when a semi struck the truck on the driver-side door.

"She was just the best of the best and it’s so sad, she had young children, and she was only 39 years old," Neustrom told WDIO. "She always left you with the feeling that you were checked out by someone who really cared about the outdoors."

According to the DNR, Grell is the 23rd Minnesota conservation officer to die in the line of duty.

Funeral arrangements are pending.