Morrison County Deputy Hit By Vehicle In 2023 Recognized At Conce

The end of the 2023 Pierz Freedom Fest was marred by a Morrison County Deputy being hit by a vehicle, which left him in critical condition. On Saturday night, organizers of Pierz Freedom Fest surprised that deputy by recognizing him on stage before Chase Rice, the headliner, took the stage.

Before the 2025 headliner was announced to the crowd, the Morrison County Sheriff's Office along with Pierz Freedom Fest organizers worked to surprise Deputy Pundsack, by recognizing him at the festival, one year removed from the accident.

Pundsack received one of the loudest ovations of the night from the crowd of Central Minnesotans.

Pundsack had the chance to thank the crowd for their support and for the surrounding communities' support during his recovery process, and he stated that he was happy to be back at the concert, and back at work.

Deputy Brady Pundsack was directing traffic after the concert along Highway 25 in 2023 when he was struck by a Ford Edge according to KSTP-TV, driven by a 17-year-old, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

Pundsack was released from the hospital about 10 days after the incident, but during his hospitalization, he endured multiple surgeries which included surgery on his neck.

This year during the festival the parking area was better lit, and there were more law enforcement working the event in the area of Highway 25 and the festival exit.