This document summarizes the 27th Annual Minnesota Public Safety Service Awards Dinner hosted by North Memorial. It provides an agenda for the event including award presentations for public safety professionals in law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services who have demonstrated valor, honor, and merit. It lists the award recipients and provides brief descriptions of the actions for which they are being honored. The document also acknowledges the event organizers and committees.

1. 27th Annual Minnesota Public Safety
Service Awards Dinner
MinnesotaPubl
ic Safety Servi
ceAwards
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Earle Brown Heritage Center
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

3. North Memorial is honored to host this annual event. We have a long
history of commitment to public safety, and our ability to serve the area
as a Level I Trauma Center is made possible in part by those who protect
our communities everyday.
We thank and honor this year’s award recipients and all public safety
professionals and volunteers for their actions and commitment to service.
We also extend our appreciation to you, the attendees, and all those
who participate in and support the Minnesota Public Safety Service
Awards project.
Presented by North Memorial

4. PROGRAM – 2010
PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
INVOCATION
Greg Bodin, Manager
Pastoral Care at North Memorial
DINNER
INTRODUCTIONS
Pat Coyne, Director
North Memorial Ambulance Service
WELCOMING REMARKS
Michael Parrish, Vice President
North Memorial Emergency & Enterprise Operations
SPEAKER
Al Garber
AWARDS PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION OF THE DOUG HOPPENRATH
PUBLIC SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
AWARD RECIPIENT RECITATIONS
Pat Coyne, Director
North Memorial Ambulance Service
PRESENTERS
Michael Campion, Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Law Enforcement:
David Peechia, Executive Director
Minnesota Police Chiefs Association
Fire Services:
Robert Dahm, Chief Deputy
Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division
Emergency Medical Services:
Jim Rieber, Chair
Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board
Civilians:
Representative Kurt Zellers
Minnesota State Legislature
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5. MINNESOTA PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE
AWARDS COMMITTEES
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Nancy Sundberg, Executive Assistant
North Memorial Ambulance Service
EXECUTIVE & SELECTION COMMITTEE
Greg Bodin, Manager, Pastoral Care
North Memorial Health Care
Rob Carlson
Pat Coyne, Director
North Memorial Ambulance Service
Robert Dahm, Chief Deputy
Minnesota Fire Marshal Division
Don Davis
Deb Fischer,
Community Representative
North Memorial Ambulance Service
Buck McAlpin, Director
North Memorial Community Affairs
Andy Meyer, Marketing Consultant
North Memorial Health Care
Chief Ray McCoy
West Hennepin Public Safety
Maj. Mike Asleson
Minnesota State Patrol
Michael Parrish, Vice President
North Memorial Emergency &
Enterprise Operations
Jeff Storms
Hennepin County
Sheriff’s Office
EVENT COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Paul Botnen, North Memorial
Ambulance Service
Chuck Lindstrom, Manager, North
Memorial Ambulance Service
Andy Meyer, North Memorial
Marketing
Jason Luke, North Memorial
Ambulance Service
Bruce Sundberg, North Memorial
Ambulance Service
Nancy Sundberg, North Memorial
Ambulance Service
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6. AWARD RECIPIENTS
- VALOR -
Joseph Bergeron
Ryan Bybee
David Longbehn
Omar Maklad
K-9 Rocky
– HONOR–
– MERIT –
THE DOUG HOPPENRATH PUBLIC SAFETY
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Tim Farmer
Roy Berg
Kerry Christoffer
Tom Cherep
Thomas Flood
William Gibbons
Gregory Gommels
John Jorgensen
Michael LeDoux
Don Machacek
K-9 Major
Mark Mather
Thor Nelson
Matt Respet
Todd Roelfsema
Chris Schmidt
Eric Wallen
Kathy Finstad
Kevin Finstad
Matthew Gannon
Shari Hittesdorf
Nick Johnson
Billy Koopmeiners
Craig McGraw
Steven Neadeau, Jr.
Michael Nicklaus
Joanne Nicklaus
Tom Romaine
Catherine Welna
Mark Welna
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7. AWARD OF VALOR
To be awarded for the persistent and continued application to duty after
having been injured or wounded so as to complete an assigned task or rescue,
or unexpected challenge.
* * *
To be awarded for the giving of one’s life in the performance of duty.
AWARD OF HONOR
Awarded to any person who, conscious of danger, distinguishes himself or
herself by the outstanding performance of an act of gallantry and valor at
imminent personal hazard to life, above and beyond the call of duty.
* * *
To be awarded for demonstration of initiative and/or courage in dangerous or
emergency conditions which result in successful resolution of the situation.
* * *
To be awarded for performance of an act under conditions which render a clear
and present danger to personal safety.
AWARD OF MERIT
Awarded to a public safety officer or citizen for excellent and unusual
accomplishment as recognized by superiors, fellow officers, or
concerned citizens.
* * *
Awarded to a public safety officer or citizen for contribution
to humanitarian causes.
THE DOUG HOPPENRATH PUBLIC SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded for extraordinary dedication to public safety. This award, given by
Anita Hoppenrath, is in commemoration of Doug Hoppenrath, the founder of
the Minnesota Public Safety Service Awards. Doug’s life was dedicated to public
safety and he best exemplified the true spirit of public service.
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8. VALOR – Law Enforcement
Joseph Bergeron
Posthumously presented in honor of Maplewood Police Sergeant Joseph
Bergeron. On May 1, 2010 Sgt. Bergeron was investigating the report of a
car-jacking in Maplewood. While in his squad car, he was quickly approached
by two suspects at the scene. One of the suspects shot and fatally wounded
Bergeron.
For Sergeant Bergeron’s dedication to duty, we honor him, his memory and the
sacrifice he made.
VALOR – Law Enforcement
David Longbehn
Presented to St. Paul Police Officer David Longbehn. On May 1, 2010 Officer
Longbehn responded to the shooting of Maplewood Police Sergeant Joseph
Bergeron. Officer Longbehn spotted one of the suspects and was going to
search him when the suspect assaulted him with a metal pipe. They struggled
for Longbehn’s weapon and the officer was able to gain control, shooting the
suspect. Longbehn suffered a broken nose and facial fractures.
For Officer Longbehn’s dedication to duty, we honor him.
VALOR – Law Enforcement
Omar Maklad
Presented to Woodbury Police Sergeant Omar Maklad. On the evening of April
15, 2010, Sgt. Maklad responded to a domestic disturbance call, which included
gunfire coming from a home in Woodbury. Upon arriving at the scene, Maklad
got out of his squad car and the suspect starting shooting at him. Maklad was
hit by two bullets and returned fire, fatally injuring the suspect.
For Sergeant Maklad’s dedication to duty, we honor him.
VALOR – Law Enforcement
Ryan Bybee
Presented to Burnett County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Bybee. On the morning of
September 26, 2010 in the Village of Siren, Wisconsin a suspect was randomly
shooting at vehicles, injuring several people. The suspect left the scene and
Deputy Bybee observed him driving south of Webster. Upon stopping, the
suspect exited his vehicle and fired at Bybee, wounding him. Bybee returned
fire, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead.
For Deputy Bybee’s dedication to duty, we honor him.
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9. VALOR – Law Enforcement
K-9 Rocky
Posthumously presented in honor of Anoka County SWAT Team member K-9
Rocky. On the night of December 30, 2009, Rocky and his handler, Deputy Pete
Psyck, responded to a scene in Ham Lake, where a suspect had fired at deputies
who were attempting to solve a civil dispute. For more than six hours, attempts
were made to contact the subject inside his home, however he would not
comply. SWAT teams prepared to enter the home, with K-9 Rocky in the lead.
Upon entering the residence, Rocky cleared the living room and headed down
the hall where he confronted the suspect who fatally shot him.
For K-9 Rocky’s dedication to duty, we honor him and the sacrifice he made.
HONOR – Law Enforcement
Thor Nelson
Presented to Minnesota DNR Officer Thor Nelson. On the morning of March
26, 2010, Officer Nelson was along the shore of the Mississippi River near
downtown Minneapolis checking on some fisherman when he heard squad cars
heading for the river. He and other Sheriff’s deputies spotted a woman floating
face up in the river. He retrieved a life jacket, removed his duty belt and went
into the frigid water. He was able to pull the woman to shore and begin CPR
until paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, the woman was pronounced dead.
For Officer Nelson’s actions in this dangerous situation, we honor him.
MERIT – Law Enforcement
Matthew Gannon
Presented to St. Cloud Officer Matthew Gannon. Officer Gannon was on his
way home after the end of his shift in the early morning hours of April 4, 2010,
when he spotted sparks coming from the roof of a nearby home. He run to the
house and pounded on the door. After several minutes a young boy answered
and went to get his father. It took Gannon several times to convince the family
their house was on fire and they needed to evacuate. The family of five, along
with one of their cats were able to get out safely.
For Officer Gannon’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
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10. HONOR – Law Enforcement
John Jorgensen
Presented to Roseville Police Officer John Jorgensen. In the early morning
hours of July 22, 2010, Officer Jorgensen and K9 Major responded to a call
in Maplewood. After a recent pursuit by police, the driver of a stolen car had
now fled the scene and was on foot. Despite the heavy rain, K9 Major was able
to track the suspect through the thick woods and into a nearby lake. Major
struggled as the suspect tried to continually drown him. Jorgensen entered
the water and fought with the suspect while trying to apprehend him and save
Major. The suspect fled to shore, but Jorgensen and Major were able to take him
into custody.
For Officer Jorgensen’s actions in this dangerous situation and to help save his
partner Major, we honor him.
HONOR – Law Enforcement
K-9 Major
Presented to Roseville Police K-9 Major. In the early morning hours of July 22,
2010, Officer John Jorgensen and K9 Major responded to a call in Maplewood.
After a recent pursuit by police, the driver of a stolen car had now fled the scene
and was on foot. Despite the heavy rain, K9 Major was able to track the suspect
through the thick woods and into a nearby lake. Major struggled as the suspect
tried to continually drown him. Jorgensen entered the water and fought with
the suspect while trying to apprehend him and save Major. The suspect fled to
shore, but Jorgensen and Major were able to take him into custody.
For K-9 Major’s actions in this dangerous situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Law Enforcement
Mark Mather
Presented to Lyon County Sheriff Mark Mather for his actions on July 29, 2010.
Sheriff Mather, along with Sgt. Todd Roelfsema and Sgt. Eric Wallen responded
to a call in Vallers Township near Marshall. Dispatch had received a call from
a man who stated he had been shot and the house he was in was on fire. Upon
arrival they found thick black smoke coming from the house and the suspect
walking down his driveway. The suspect was arrested while the deputies went to
the house to find the victim. It took multiple times of entering the smoke-filled
house to locate the man on the floor in the basement. He had been shot in the
shoulder and the suspect had started his own house on fire.
For Sheriff Mather’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
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11. HONOR – Law Enforcement
Todd Roelfsema
Presented to Lyon County Sergeant Todd Roelfsema for his actions on July
29, 2010. Sgt. Roelfsema along with Sheriff Mark Mather and Sgt. Eric Wallen
responded to a call in Vallers Township near Marshall. Dispatch had received
a call from a man who stated he had been shot and the house he was in was on
fire. Upon arrival they found thick black smoke coming from the house and
the suspect walking down his driveway. The suspect was arrested while the
deputies went to the house to find the victim. It took multiple times of entering
the smoke-filled house to locate the man on the floor in the basement. He had
been shot in the shoulder and the suspect had started his own house on fire.
For Sergeant Roelfsema’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Law Enforcement
Eric Wallen
Presented to Lyon County Sergeant Eric Wallen for his actions on July 29,
2010. Sgt. Wallen, along with Sgt. Todd Roelfsema and Sheriff Mark Mather
responded to a call in Vallers Township near Marshall. Dispatch had received
a call from a man who stated he had been shot and the house he was in was on
fire. Upon arrival they found thick black smoke coming from the house and
the suspect walking down his driveway. The suspect was arrested while the
deputies went to the house to find the victim. It took multiple times of entering
the smoke-filled house to locate the man on the floor in the basement. He had
been shot in the shoulder and the suspect had started his own house on fire.
For Sergeant Wallen’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Law Enforcement
Michael LeDoux
Presented to Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Michael LeDoux for his actions on
April 12, 2010. LeDoux and Trooper Matthew Respet responded to a reported
suicidal male on the Blatnik Bridge in Duluth. Upon arrival the man had
jumped off the bridge onto a steel girder below and disappeared under the
bridge. Troopers LeDoux and Respet were given the necessary harnesses and
instructions on how to operate the repelling equipment. They were lowered
down to the subject, who became increasingly agitated with the spotlights that
were being shined on him. LeDoux radioed the rescue boat to extinguish the
spotlights. The troopers continued talking with the man, successfully gaining
his trust. After some time, the subject walked towards the troopers and allowed
himself to be rescued.
For Trooper LeDoux’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him. -9-

12. HONOR – Law Enforcement
Matthew Respet
Presented to Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Matthew Respet for his actions on
April 12, 2010. Respet and Trooper Michael LeDoux responded to a reported
suicidal male on the Blatnik Bridge in Duluth. Upon arrival the man had
jumped off the bridge onto a steel girder below and disappeared under the
bridge. Troopers Respet and LeDoux were given the necessary harnesses and
instructions on how to operate the repelling equipment. They were lowered
down to the subject, who became increasingly agitated with the spotlights that
were being shined on him. LeDoux radioed the rescue boat to extinguish the
spotlights. The troopers continued talking with the man, successfully gaining
his trust. After some time, the subject walked towards the troopers and allowed
himself to be rescued.
For Trooper Respet’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Fire
Tom Cherep
Presented to Bloomington Fire Captain Tom Cherep for his actions on
November 30, 2009. Captain Cherep, while vacationing in Pittsburg, was the
first to come upon an overturned vehicle. After assessing the situation, he
climbed the undercarriage of the vehicle and was able to access the passenger
side door. He climbed inside and checked the pulse of the victim, which was
very weak. Under his own power, he was able to lift her out of the vehicle,
lower her to the ground and pull her to the side of the roadway. At this time,
Cherep determined she was in full cardiac arrest. He began CPR until EMS
arrived. After two days, the woman passed away. However, her family was very
grateful for what Cherep had done as it gave them time to say goodbye.
For Captain Cherep’s actions in this tragic situation, we honor him.
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13. MERIT – EMS
Billy Koopmeiners
Presented to Upsala First Responder Billy Koopmeiners for his actions on
August 8, 2010. Koopmeiners, along with his partner Nick Johnson received
a call of an overdose. Upon arrival they found the woman’s husband stating
she had run across the road and was going to go for a swim. Koopmeiners
and Johnson headed down a steep hill to the dock, where they heard someone
struggling in the water. They grabbed some nearby life vests and went into
the water. After swimming out approximately 50 feet, they finally spotted the
woman. She was slowly going under water for several seconds and then would
return coughing. They finally reached her, but by this time she was limp with
shallow respirations. Together they brought her to shore where she received
treatment.
For Koopmeiners’ actions in this dangerous situation, we honor him.
MERIT – EMS
Nick Johnson
Presented to Upsala First Responder Nick Johnson for his actions on August 8,
2010. Johnson, along with his partner Billy Koopmeiners received a call of an
overdose. Upon arrival they found the woman’s husband stating she had run
across the road and was going to go for a swim. Johnson and Koopmeiners
headed down a steep hill to the dock, where they heard someone struggling
in the water. They grabbed some nearby life vests and went into the water.
After swimming out approximately 50 feet, they finally spotted the woman.
She was slowly going under water for several seconds and then would return
coughing. They finally reached her, but by this time she was limp with shallow
respirations. Together they brought her to shore where she received treatment
For Johnson’s actions in this dangerous situation, we honor him.
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14. MERIT – EMS
Shari Hittesdorf
Presented to Sleepy Eye Ambulance Coordinator Shari Hittesdorf for her
ongoing commitment to the emergency services in her community. Shari was
been active in the City of Sleepy Eye for over sixteen years. She is not only the
ambulance coordinator, but also a nationally certified EMS instructor spending
many hours teaching CPR and first-aid to all ages. She has high admiration
from her ambulance staff for being a leader. Besides the role as ambulance
coordinator, Shari is also Summer Recreational Director and Emergency
Operations Facilitator and Plan Coordinator.
For Hittesdorf’s commitment to EMS and the City of Sleepy Eye, we honor her.
MERIT – Civilian
Kevin Finstad
Presented to Civilian Kevin Finstad for his actions on March 7, 2009. Late that
evening, Kevin, along with his wife Kathy were on Highway 15 just west of
Glencoe when they spotted a car pulling out headed down the wrong way. They
swerved to avoid the car and turned around to follow it, thinking they had to
stop them before they hit someone. At the same time, they called 911. Within
a half mile, they saw brake lights and a car go off the road. They realized
someone had been hit. They stopped and Kathy stayed with the crash victim
while Kevin went after the wrong-way driver. Another quarter mile down the
road he found the vehicle, but no driver. He shined his headlights into a nearby
field and saw the man hiding in the cattails. He ordered him out of the field.
The driver denied the accident, but after talking with the impaired man, he
admitted his guilt. Authorities arrived and he was taken into custody.
For Kevin’s actions in this dangerous, situation we honor him.
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15. MERIT – Civilian
Kathy Finstad
Presented to Civilian Kathy Finstad for his actions on March 7, 2009. Late
that evening, Kathy, along with her husband Kevin were on Highway 15 just
west of Glencoe when they spotted a car pulling out headed down the wrong
way. They swerved to avoid the car and turned around to follow it, thinking
they had to stop them before they hit someone. At the same time, they called
911. Within a half mile, they saw brake lights and a car go off the road. They
realized someone had been hit. They stopped and Kathy stayed with the crash
victim who had been hit, while Kevin went after the wrong-way driver. Another
quarter mile down the road he found the vehicle, but no driver. He shone
his headlights into a nearby field and saw the man hiding in the cattails. He
ordered him out of the field. The driver denied the accident, but after talking
with the impaired man, he admitted his guilt. Authorities arrived and he was
taken into custody.
For Kathy’s actions in this dangerous, we honor her.
HONOR – Civilian
Don Machacek
Presented to Civilian Don Machacek for his actions on July 28, 2010. Machacek
was working as a DOT highway first responder in Richfield when he received a
call of a vehicle submerged in a pond. Upon his arrival he found the car, nose
down in the pond and a woman along with her two children trapped in the
backseat with just enough airspace to keep their heads up. Machacek removed
his radio and cell phone and went into the water. By the time he reached the
car, he was in neck-high water and sinking in the mud. He was able to open the
door and help the three victims out and get them safely to shore.
For Machacek’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
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16. HONOR – Civilian
William Gibbons
Presented to Civilian William Gibbons for his actions on July 8, 2010. While
on his way home from work that morning, Gibbons was the first person to
come upon the scene of a head-on crash near Stockton, Minnesota. Moments
later, Greg Gommels arrived and together they pulled an injured victim out
of his truck which was on fire. Gibbons carried him away from the crash due
to extensive leg injuries. Then they went to assist the other driver and her
daughter. This driver also had to be carried away from the scene, along with her
daughter in her car seat. Within minutes, both vehicles were totally engulfed in
flames.
For William’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Civilian
Greg Gommels
Presented to Civilian Greg Gommels for his actions on July 8, 2010. While on
his way to work that morning, Gommels came upon the scene of a head-on
crash near Stockton, Minnesota. He, along with William Gibbons pulled an
injured victim out of his truck which was on fire. Gibbons carried him away
from the crash due to extensive leg injuries. Then they went to assist the other
driver and her daughter. This driver also had to be carried away from the scene,
along with her daughter in her car seat. Within minutes, both vehicles were
totally engulfed in flames.
For Greg’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Civilian
Chris Schmidt
Presented to Civilian Chris Schmidt for his actions on December 12, 2009.
That night, in the town of Mountain Iron, Chris was awakened by the sound
of breaking glass. He got up, grabbed the fire extinguisher and opened his
neighbors apartment door. Her couch was on fire, near her oxygen tank. Chris
was able to douse some of the flames and get everyone out safely before the fire
department arrived.
For Chris’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
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17. MERIT – Civilian
Tom Romaine
Presented to Civilian Tom Romaine for his ongoing work in various fire
and forestry divisions in Minnesota. Tom has worked for 30+ years in the
Division of Forestry – Private Forest Management, State Land Management
and Fire. Tom’s expertise in fire is known nationally. He helped develop
and write many fire courses. He serves as a contact between the Division and
Railroads helping with fire suppression. Many hours are spent attending fire
department association meetings and training sessions. One of Tom’s main
accomplishments was in timber management. He was a leader in getting budget
support for the regenerate of harvested hardwood forests.
For Tom’s commitment to the preservation of natural resources in the State of
Minnesota, we honor him.
HONOR – Civilian
Kerry Christoffer
Presented to Civilian Kerry Christoffer for his actions on April 14, 2010. That
morning while on his way to work near Slayton, Minnesota, Kerry saw a DOT
vehicle overturned and partially submerged in water off the roadway. He
immediately went into the extremely cold water, followed by others who had
stopped. They could not see into the vehicle nor get any response. Someone
tossed Kerry a shovel and he used it to break out the rear window. He entered
the vehicle, having to almost completely submerge himself. He could only see
one hand inside the vehicle, but felt his way to the victim to get a response.
Kerry was able to get the victim to find the door handle and pull it while others
outside got the door open. They pulled the victim out to safety.
For Kerry’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
MERIT – Civilian
Mark Welna
Presented to Civilian Mark Welna for his actions on September 29, 2010. While
boating on Lake Minnetonka with his wife Cathy, they observed a boat go by
with six occupants. A moment later they saw the people in the water with no
boat. The boat had flipped over, throwing all of them into the water without
lifejackets and sank. Mark and Cathy were able to get four people into their
boat and bring them to shore. Another passing boater, Michael and Joanne
Nicklaus were able to help two of the victims. Several of the people suffered
injuries of broken ribs and a broken collar bone.
For Mark’s actions in this serious situation, we honor him.
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18. MERIT – Civilian
Cathy Welna
Presented to Civilian Cathy Welna for his actions on September 29, 2010. While
boating on Lake Minnetonka with her husband Mark, they observed a boat go
by with six occupants. A moment later they saw the people in the water with
no boat. The boat had flipped over, throwing all of them into the water without
lifejackets and sank. Mark and Cathy were able to get four people into their
boat and bring them to shore. Another passing boater, Michael and Joanne
Nicklaus were able to help two of the boaters. Several of the people suffered
injuries of broken ribs and a broken collar bone.
For Cathy’s actions in this serious situation, we honor her.
MERIT – Civilian
Michael Nicklaus
Presented to Civilian Michael Nicklaus for his actions on September 29,
2010. While boating on Lake Minnetonka with his wife, Joanne, they saw an
overturned boat with six occupants in the water. The boat had flipped over,
throwing all of them into the water without lifejackets and was sinking. Michael
and Joanne were able to get two people into their boat and bring them to shore.
Another passing boater, Mark and Cathy Welna were able to help four of the
boaters. Several of the people suffered injuries of broken ribs and a broken
collar bone.
For Michael’s actions in this serious situation, we honor him.
MERIT – Civilian
Joanne Nicklaus
Presented to Civilian Joanne Nicklaus for her actions on September 29, 2010.
While boating on Lake Minnetonka with her husband Michael, they saw an
overturned boat with six occupants in the water. The boat had flipped over,
throwing all of them into the water without lifejackets and was sinking. Michael
and were able to get two people into their boat and bring them to shore.
Another passing boater, Mark and Cathy Welna were able to help four of the
boaters. Several of the people suffered injuries of broken ribs and a broken
collar bone.
For Joanne’s actions in this serious situation, we honor her.
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19. MERIT – Civilian
Craig McGraw
Presented to Civilian Craig McGraw for his actions on December 5, 2009. Craig
witnessed a serious accident near his home in Sebeka. The crash involved a
truck and a semi-tractor trailer. The driver of the truck was pinned in his
vehicle and it was starting to burn. Craig brought a fire extinguisher to the
scene and quickly put out the fire. Had Craig not taken action, this could have
resulted in very serious injury or death, as it took some time to get the victim
freed.
For Craig’s actions in this life-threatening situation, we honor him.
HONOR – Civilian
Thomas Flood
Presented to Civilian Thomas Flood for his actions on November 11, 2009. That
evening, Thomas came upon the scene of a serious injury accident in Eagan.
One of the vehicles had left the roadway and started on fire. The passengers
were helped out of the vehicle, but the driver had his feet pinned and was
incoherent. The fire continued to grow. A police officer maintained control of
the driver’s cervical spine while Thomas freed the victims feet and legs. They
pulled the victim to safety as the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames.
For Thomas’ actions in this dangerous and life-threatening situation, we honor
him.
HONOR – Civilian
Roy Berg
Presented to Civilian Roy Berg for his actions on December 7, 2009. While
letting his dog outside, Roy heard a vehicle accident. He ran to the scene to
find the vehicle off the roadway and on fire with the driver still inside. She had
suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Roy had to enter through the passenger
door and assist her in removing her seatbelt. He then helped her exit the vehicle
moments before it became fully engulfed with fire.
For Roy’s actions in this life-saving situation, we honor him.
-17-

20. MERIT – Civilian
Steven Neadeau, Jr.
Presented to Civilian Steven Neadeau, Jr. for his actions on September 18, 2009.
While traveling with his aunt, his 17 month old sister and 2 year old cousin, his
aunt had a medical reaction and lost consciousness. Out of control, the vehicle
left the roadway, jumped the curb and was headed towards a power transformer
station. Steven grabbed the wheel and steered the car away from it, also
avoiding some trees.
For Steven’s quick actions in this dangerous , we honor him.
THE DOUG HOPPENRATH
PUBLIC SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Tim Farmer
This year, the Doug Hoppenrath Public Safety Achievement Award is given to Tim
Farmer. Tim’s entire career in the Fire Service was in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He
started as a paid on-call firefighter in 1975 and progressed through the ranks before
achieving the rank of Chief for the last 13 years of his career. He retired in 2007.
During his career as chief, he was the City’s Safety Director, staff liaison to the Safety
Commission and played a key role in starting “Safety Camps” for both the youth and
seniors in Coon Rapids. Tim exemplifies enthusiasm and passion for public safety
through the training he conducts, teaching many classes for MNSCU and F.I.R.E.,
and the State Fire School and individual departments throughout the state.
Tim has been involved in many professional organizations throughout his career. Even
after retirement, he is actively involved in planning and facilitating the Minnesota State
Fire Chiefs Association Conference and is on the Education Committee. Tim designed
the Chief’s website and is currently the webmaster.
While on the fire department, he was instrumental in making Coon Rapid 4th of July
celebration a reality. Each year the firefighters and Lions Club co-sponsored a large event
for the residents. Hundreds of hours were spent each year planning, coordinating and
volunteering to make it happen. He recently completed a term as President in the Lions
Club, working on various service projects that the club does to help the community.
Tim has made extraordinary contributions to public safety both during his long career
and now in retirement. He is a positive role model for firefighters and instructors, as well
as those who work around him.
Tim Farmer’s commitment and dedication to public safety is self-evident. Therefore, he
is being presented with this year’s Doug Hoppenrath Public Safety Achievement Award.
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21. -19-
MINNESOTA PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE
AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Valor
2010 *Joseph Bergeron – Maplewood Police Department
2010 *Rocky – Anoka County SWAT Team K-9
2010 Omar Maklad – Woodbury Police Department
2010 David Longbehn – St. Paul Police Department
2010 Ryan Bybee – Burnett County Sheriff’s Office
2009 *Richard Crittenden – North St. Paul Police Department
2009 Julie Olson – Maplewood Police Department
2009 Chris Dewey – Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Deputy
2008 *Mark Bedard – Minneapolis Park Police
2005 *Gerald Vick – St. Paul Police Department
2005 *Shawn Silvera – Lino Lakes Police Department
2005 *Derrick Brun – Red Lake, MN (Civilian)
2005 *Dennis Winfield – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2005 Joshua Johnson – Marshall, MN (Civilian)
2004 *Don Billig – St. Cloud Fire Department
2004 Bill Hahne – Janesville, MN (Civilian)
2003 *James Blanchard – Hennepin County Medical Center
2003 Joel Welinski – Owatonna Police Department
2002 *Kim Granholm – Esko Fire Department
2002 *Bradley Anderson – St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputy
2002 *Michael Staples – Chippewa National Forest Officer
2002 *Melissa Schmidt – Minneapolis Police Department
2000 *Theodore J. Foss – Minnesota State Patrol
1999 *Brenda HagE – Pine County EMT
1998 *LeRoy Swenson - Minneapolis Fire Department
1997 *Timothy J. Bowe - Minnesota State Patrol
1996 *Mark Peters - Lake City Paramedic
1996 *John Liebenstein - Rice County Deputy Sheriff
1996 *Luther Klug - Dakota County Deputy Sheriff
1996 *Brian Klinefelter - St. Joseph Police Department
1996 Arthur Blakey - Ramsey County Sheriff’s Lieutenant
1995 *Paul K. Moen - Minneapolis Police Department
1994 *Ronald M. Ryan, Jr. - St. Paul Police Department
1994 *Laser - St. Paul Police K9
1994 *Timothy J. Jones - St. Paul Police Department
1994 Dennis Henriksen - Wadena Police Department
1993 Jeffrey York - Minneapolis Police Department
1993 Donald Schwartz – Minneapolis Police Department
1993 *Ervid T. Clemons - Carlton County Deputy Sheriff
1993 William Chandler - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff
1992 *Jerome Haaf - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 Michael Severson - Polk County Deputy Sheriff
1991 *Michael Morrow - Pine County Deputy Sheriff
1991 *Alan Albee - Burnett County Deputy Sheriff
1990 *Gary Wilson - Duluth Police Department

22. Honor
2010 Thor Nelson – Minneapolis DNR
2010 Tom Cherep – Bloomington Fire Department
2010 Don Machacek – Richfield, MN (Civilian)
2010 John Jorgensen – Roseville Police Department
2010 Major – Roseville Police Department K-9
2010 Mark Mather – Lyon County Sheriff
2010 Todd Roelfsema – Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
2010 Eric Wallen – Lyon County Sheriff’s Office
2010 Kerry Christoffer – Marshall, MN (Civilian)
2010 Michael LeDoux – Minnesota State Patrol
2010 Matthew Respet – Minnesota State Patrol
2010 William Gibbons – Winona, MN (Civilian)
2010 Gregory Gommels – Winona,MN (Civilian)
2010 Chris Schmidt – Mountain Iron,MN (Civilian)
2010 Thomas Flood – Eagan, MN (Civilian)
2010 Roy Berg – Aitkin, MN (Civilian)
2009 Kathy Bresson – Marshall Police Department
2009 Brad Laudert – Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
2009 Chad Peterson – Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Deputy
2009 Ben Bruce – Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Deputy
2009 Callie Crane – St. Michael, MN (Civilian)
2009 Dale Cazett – Elk River, MN (Civilian)
2009 Karissa Larsen – Maple Grove, MN (Civilian)
2009 Brad Paulson – Princeton, MN (Civilian)
2009 Karen Billings – Lakeville, MN (Civilian)
2009 Ryan Cordes – Zimmerman, MN (Civilian)
2009 Darren Stebe – Alexandria, MN (Civilian)
2009 Mark Bauer – Hastings, MN (Civilian)
2009 Michael Bossard – Edina, MN (Civilian)
2009 Robert Solheim – Edina, MN (Civilian)
2009 Harry Verkler – Peotone, IL (Civilian)
2009 Tom Johnson – North Memorial Ambulance EMT
2009 Jeff Lammers – North Memorial Ambulance EMT
2009 Richard Crawford – Mahnomen Ambulance EMT-P
2009 Steve Olson – Mahnomen Ambulance EMT
2008 Kevin Bruch – Brooklyn Park Fire Department
2008 Nathan Caskey – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2008 Tom DeSchane – New Brighton Fire Department
2008 Thomas Diaz – S St. Paul Police Department
2008 Adam Fulton – Minnesota State Patrol
2008 Tom Griffin – New Brighton Police Department
2008 Jason Groh – Minnesota State Patrol
1990 *Michael Hogan - Hutchinson Police Department
1989 Daniel Prischman - Minnesota State Patrol
1989 Patrick W. Picasso - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1985 *John T. Scanlon - Robbinsdale Police Department
1984 *Thomas K. Hollingsworth - Robbinsdale Fire Department
*Presented posthumously
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23. 2008 Randy Harms – Minnesota State Patrol
2008 James Kotten – Minnesota State Patrol
2008 Matthew Kunkel – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2008 Andy Masterman – New Brighton Police Department
2008 Jarrod McReynolds – Brooklyn Park Fire Department
2008 Kaj Meinhardt – Minnesota State Patrol
2008 Bruce Motes – Morrison County Sheriff’s Department
2008 Evan S. O’Hara – St. Paul Police Department
2008 Kevin Olson – New Brighton Police Department
2008 Aaron Slack – New Brighton Police Department
2008 Doreen Vikander – Stillwater, MN (Civilian)
2007 Taylor Adams – Mound, MN (Civilian)
2007 Jeffrey Johanson – Minnesota DNR
2007 Bruce Wightman – Forest Lake Fire Department
2007 Cory Kissling – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2007 Dave Kamholz – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2007 Paul Knutsen – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2007 Andrew Thelen – Minnesota State Patrol
2007 Dean Smith – Minnesota State Patrol
2007 Brett Westbrook – Minnesota State Patrol
2007 Randy Beehler – St. Cloud, MN (Civilian)
2007 Timothy Hunt, Jr. – Superior, WI (Civilian)
2007 Matthew Ross – Bloomington, MN (Civilian)
2006 Jeffrey Schroepfer – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 David Sutherland – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 Michael LeDoux – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 Kent Matthews – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 John Myles – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2006 Ross Manners – Park Rapids, MN (Civilian)
2006 Michael Tuft – Stillwater, MN (Civilian)
2006 Richard Kvols – Madison, MN (Civilian)
2006 Keenan Spiess – Shelly, MN (Civilian)
2006 Michael Skansgaard – Ada, MN (Civilian)
2006 Terrance Vann – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2006 Felix Diaz – Shakopee, MN (Civilian)
2006 Mark Shields – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2006 Robert Barry – St. Anthony, MN (Civilian)
2006 Alvin Carrington – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2006 Bryce Peterson – Grand Forks, ND (Civilian)
2006 Bruce Nelson – Erskine, MN (Civilian)
2006 Darren Behm – (Civilian)
2006 David Lavoi – Kimball, MN (Civilian)
2006 Daniel O’Connor – Faribault, MN (Civilian)
2006 Lawrence Schwirtz – Robbinsdale, MN (Civilian)
2005 Brian Clark – Shakopee Police Department
2005 Rob Frisby – Minnesota State Patrol
2005 Ken Gilman – West St. Paul (Civilian)
2005 Rich Homan – Minnesota State Patrol
2005 Robert Lane – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2005 Chad Mills – Minnesota State Patrol
2005 Rome Noone – Chanhassen, MN (Civilian)
2005 Evan Price – Centennial, CO (Civilian)
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24. 2005 John Speth – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2005 John VonEschen – Darwin, MN (Civilian)
2004 Juan Gonzalez – Chaska, MN (Civilian)
2004 Ariel Lopez – Austin, MN (Civilian)
2004 Todd Abernethy – St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office
2004 Mark Johnson – Cold Spring, MN (Civilian)
2004 Dean Milner – Minneapolis Police Department
2004 Khone Rathsachack - Canistota, SD (Civilian)
2004 Brandy Steberg – Minneapolis Police Department
2004 Kellen Swanson – Hastings, MN (Civilian)
2004 Darrin Waletzki – Minneapolis Police Department
2003 Gary Harms – Minnesota State Patrol
2003 Jim Kennedy – Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office
2003 John Kalstad – Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office
2003 Mike Lee – International Falls Police Department
2003 Murray Gushulak – International Falls, MN (Civilian)
2003 Molly Poulson – Perham, MN (Civilian)
2003 Jon DuBois – Elk River, MN (Civilian)
2003 Elizabeth Olson – Elk River, MN (Civilian)
2002 Alan Marxhausen – Mille Lacs County Investigator
2002 Martin Heilman – Coon Rapids Police Department
2002 Chris Nelson – Fergus Falls EMT
2002 Richard Tolan – Coon Rapids, MN (Civilian)
2002 Barbara Rainwater – Coon Rapids, MN (Civilian)
2001 Patricia Hellen – Minneapolis Police Department
2001 Dean Roland – Siren, WI Police Department
2001 Tom Wells – Anoka County Sheriff’s Department
2001 Steve Burmeister – Anoka County Sheriff’s Department
2001 Wayne Heath – Anoka County Sheriff’s Department
2001 Ross Repke – Minneapolis Fire Department
2001 James Cummings – Minneapolis Fire Department
2001 Sydny Thomas – Minneapolis Fire Department
2001 James Bratton – Minneapolis Fire Department
2001 Grant Riedemann – Minneapolis Fire Department
2001 Clif Giese – Minnetonka Fire Department
2001 Leon Jones – St.Paul, MN (Civilian)
2001 Diana Chromey – Hewitt, MN (Civilian)
2001 Gerald Chromey – Hewitt, MN (Civilian)
2001 James Carr – Verndale, MN (Civilian)
2001 James Anderson – Verndale, MN (Civilian)
2000 Richard A. Zimmerman – Crystal Police Department
2000 Steve Parshall – Minneapolis Police Department
2000 Jeff Binfet – Minneapolis Police Department
2000 Scott Elwell – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2000 Scott Lindberg – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2000 Troy Huntley – Montevideo, MN (Civilian)
2000 Donald Sears – Montevideo, MN (Civilian)
2000 Samantha Redden – Ham Lake, MN (Civilian)
2000 James Haessly – Maple Grove, MN (Civilian)
1999 Julie A. Glidden – Braham, MN (Civilian)
1999 Robert Ringold – Minnesota State Patrol
1999 Paul Van Winkel – Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
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25. 1999 Dave Hanson – Robbinsdale, MN (Civilian)
1998 Scott Lindberg - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1998 Robert Stevens - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1998 Brian Rodgers - Minneapolis Park Police
1998 Mary Ketzner - Minneapolis Park Police
1998 Jerry Peterson - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1998 Jennifer Klug - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1998 Robert Ringold - Minnesota State Patrol
1998 Rod Segelstrom - Burns, MN (Civilian)
1998 Gwen Segelstrom - Burns, MN (Civilian)
1997 Zachary D. Pontzer - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1997 Jeannie M. Cox - Chanhassen, MN (Civilian)
1997 Thomas Sigfrinius - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputy
1997 Andrew J. Norling - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1997 Keith H. Richards - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1997 Krystel Karels - St. Paul Police Department
1996 August Wehmeyer - Minnesota State Patrol
1996 Joshua Tjaden - Minneapolis Fire Department
1996 Matthew Nelson - Minnesota State Patrol
1996 Dan Kuehl - St. James, MN (Civilian)
1996 Jeff Gladfelter - Minnesota State Patrol
1996 Michael Duzan - Chaska Police Department
1996 Robert Barnes - Maple Grove, MN (Civilian)
1996 Donald Baier - Dakota County Sheriff’s Department
1995 Shana Wilkinson - Elk River, MN (Civilian)
1995 Daniel Tollefson - Security, Mall of America
1995 Peggy Langermann - Coon Rapids, MN (Civilian)
1995 Margaret Hutchens-Koth - Cedar Falls, IA (Civilian)
1995 Ken Hitzeman - Chaska, MN (Civilian)
1995 Arnold Henke - Thermopolis, WY (Civilian)
1995 James Hanson - Albert Lea, MN (Civilian)
1995 Robert Elmers - Minneapolis Police Department
1995 Gary Brandenburg - St. Bonifacius, MN (Civilian)
1995 Art Alders - Clarks Grove, MN (Civilian)
1994 Rocky Weitz - Chaska, MN (Civilian)
1994 Ervin Weinkauf - New Ulm Police Department
1994 Charles Wall - Brooklyn Center Fire Department
1994 Paul Smith - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1994 Archie Smith - St. Paul Police Department
1994 Keith Simonette - Minnesota State Patrol
1994 Clifford Schmidt - Mound, MN (Civilian)
1994 Robert Pitts - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1994 Nick Milkovich - Lake County Sheriff’s Office
1994 Archie Langdon - Rochester Police Department
1994 Ken Korman - Brooklyn Center Fire Department
1994 Kevin Guggisberg - Minnesota State Patrol
1994 Kurt Gaylord - New Ulm Fire Department
1994 Chester H. Cooper - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff
1994 John Bentzen - Brooklyn Center Fire Department
1994 David Bellows - Lakeville Police Department
1994 Robert Bartlett - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1994 Robert Atzeni - Savage, MN (Civilian)
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26. 1994 Fred Adams - Lake Bronson Fire Department
1993 Richard Wing - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Nathaniel J. Travis - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1993 Jim Theis - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Brian Smith - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Howard Simonson - Fridley Fire Department
1993 Luke Schaaf - Crystal, MN (Civilian)
1993 Brian Rodgers - Monticello, MN (Minneapolis Park Police)
1993 Eugene Raser - Chaska, MN (Chaska Fire Department
1993 Peter Oman - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1993 Marianne Olson - (U of M Police/ Hennepin County Sheriff
1993 Richard Garrett Oakes - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1993 John D. Murphy - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Michael Morrissey - Fridley Police Department
1993 Kevin Matthews - Chaska Fire Department
1993 T.J. Luger - Eden Prairie, MN (Civilian)
1993 Ronald Larson - Fridley Fire Department
1993 Michael L. Kerber - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Rodney A. Jensen - Otter Tail County Deputy Sheriff
1993 Nathan N. Jacobsen - Minnesota State Patrol
1993 Gregory Hayes - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Douglas G. Haugen - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1993 Dale Gregory - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Danny Grabau - Preston Ambulance Service
1993 Marshall H. Flippin - Brooklyn Center, MN (Civilian)
1993 Kyle Engen - Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1993 Rick Crestik-Fridley Police Department
1993 Gregory S. Bodin - Robbinsdale Fire Department
1993 Mark Beiter - Coon Rapids, MN (Civilian)
1992 Michael Wurst - Orr Fire Department
1992 Alvin Vis - Chandler Fire Department
1992 Betty Van Peursem - Chandler Fire Department
1992 Douglas Thooft - Minnesota State Patrol
1992 Calvin Tinklenberg - Chandler Fire Department
1992 Dennis Roske - Minnesota State Patrol
1992 Donald Parker - Minnesota State Patrol
1992 Richard Opitz - Minneapolis Police Department
1992 Paul Oberhauser - Wayzata, MN (Civilian)
1992 James Nelson - Apple Valley, MN (Civilian)
1992 Roger Moore- Chandler Fire Department
1992 Ralo Lolkus - Chandler Fire Department
1992 John Irwin - Austin, TX (Civilian)
1992 Bradley Folkert - St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
1992 Kevin Daly - Minnesota State Patrol
1992 Lonnie Clark - Chandler Fire Department
1992 Roberto Cisneros - Brooklyn Center, MN (Civilian)
1992 Doran Christoffels - Chandler Fire Department
1992 John Bennett -Minneapolis Police Department
1992 Richard Abraham -Minnesota State Patrol
1991 Chris Symon - Sardona, WI (Civilian)
1991 Steven Sworski - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 Mark Stehlik- Bloomington Police Department
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27. 1991 George Robinson - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff
1991 Jeffrey Pischke - Minnesota State Patrol
1991 Jerry Nutter- Cushing, WI (Civilian)
1991 Charles Nathan - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 Richard Malinowski - Lake Nebagamon, WI (Civilian)
1991 James Kaju - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 P.J. Hellen - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 Roger Greenan - St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
1991 Chris Granum - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1991 Alan Gauthier - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff)
1991 Mel Ferguson - Minneapolis Police Department
1991 Berni Carlson - Shoreview, MN (Civilian)
1991 Brian Beniek - Plymouth Police Department
1990 Joseph Zebro - St. Louis County Deputy Sheriff
1990 Edward T. Williams – Elbow Lake Police Department
1990 Kurt Sandeen - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
1990 Joel Radjenovich - Monticello, MN (Civilian)
1990 Robert Matz - Silver Lake, MN (Civilian)
1990 Jeffrey T. Luger - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1990 Van Karg - Hutchinson, MN (Civilian)
1990 LeeAnn Karg - Hutchinson, MN (Civilian)
1990 Richard Feiro - St. Louis County Deputy Sheriff
1990 Charles Barfield - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
1989 Gregory D. Rucke - Robbinsdale Police Department
1989 Bart Naumann - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1989 Mary LaChapelle - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1989 Bruce J. Kohn - Minneapolis Police Department
1989 Ken Klatt - Maple Grove Police Department
1988 Brian Dean Weekley - Bemidji, MN (Civilian)
1988 Michael Ring - Health One Ambulance Service
1988 Richard Flaten - Richfield Police Department
1988 Marty Earley - Bloomington Police Department
1988 Bruce Dunhamm - Health One Ambulance Service
1988 Jeff Dickie - Richfield Police Department
1987 William R. Thornberg - Minneapolis Police Department
1987 Corey Thompson - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff
1987 Bill Tamblyn - Brooklyn Park Fire Department
1987 Jeanne Sutich - Hopkins Police Department
1987 Paul Straka - Minnesota State Patrol
1987 Bryan M. Smith - Bloomington Police Department
1987 Steve W. Schussler - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1987 Thomas Rainville - Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff
1987 Barbara Ann Poole - Crystal, MN (Civilian)
1987 Darryl H. Peterson - Minnesota State Patrol
1987 Raenette L. Manderfeld - Corcoran Police Department
1987 Richard Loose - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1987 Carole J. Irvine - Minneapolis Police Department
1987 Gretchen Hurr -Hennepin County Park Reserve Police
1987 Jon Hedger - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1987 Eldon Fontana - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1987 Jeffrey Burchette -Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1986 Charles Veflin - Plymouth Fire Department
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28. Merit
2010 Billy Koopmeiners – Upsala EMS
2010 Nick Johnson – Upsala EMS
2010 Matthew Gannon – St. Cloud Police Department
2010 Kevin Finstad – New Ulm, MN (Civilian)
2010 Kathy Finstad – New Ulm, MN (Civilian)
2010 Shari Hittesdorf – Sleepy Eye EMS
2010 Tom Romaine – New Ulm, MN (Civilian)
2010 Steven Neadeau – Redby, MN (Civilian)
2010 Mark Welna – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2010 Cathy Welna – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2010 Joanne Nicklaus – Shorewood, MN (Civilian)
2010 Michael Nicklaus – Shorewood, MN (Civilian)
2010 Craig McGraw – Sebeka, MN (Civilian)
2009 Timothy Haack – Rochester, MN (Civilian)
2009 Chris Eklund – Cambridge, MN (Civilian)
2009 Brian Lutz – Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
2009 Arthur McFarland – City, MN (Civilian)
2009 David Stans – Battle Lake, MN (Civilian)
2009 Stephen Smith – New Brighton, MN (Civilian)
2009 Ronald Trussell – Burnsville, MN (Civilian)
2009 Michael Giesler – Hardwick, MN (Civilian)
2009 Jason Cariveau – Minnetrista, MN (Civilian)
2009 Matt Lombardi – St. Michael, MN (Civilian)
-26-
1986 Cary Smith - Plymouth Fire Department
1986 Tim Schaefer - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1986 Arnie Thompson - Minnesota State Patrol
1986 Dave Leuer - Plymouth Fire Department
1986 Robert W. Jensen - Minneapolis Police Department
1986 Robert Hernz - Plymouth Police Department
1986 William Hebert - Plymouth Fire Department
1986 George Gregor - Richfield Police Department
1986 Joel Franz - Plymouth Police Department
1986 Karen Forslund - Plymouth Police Department
1985 Ed Winkelman - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
1985 Rev. David Sigvertsen - Minneapolis Police Department
1985 Rodney Nooner – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1985 Erwin Groth - Afton, MN (Civilian)
1985 David S. Anderson - Minnesota State Patrol
1984 Keith Tjepkes - Brooklyn Park Fire Department
1984 Steven R. Peterson - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1984 Dennis Loxtercamp - Brooklyn Park Fire Department
1984 John Johnson - St. Anthony, MN (Civilian)
1984 Clifton Hill – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1984 Bradley Hanson – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1984 Norman D. Cherry - Champlin Police Department
1984 Douglas Cannon - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1984 Craig C. Anderson - Champlin Police Department

29. -27-
2009 Tracy Byrd – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2009 Ryan Johnson – Rockford, MN (Civilian)
2009 Dee Schrader – Medicine Lake, MN (Civilian)
2009 A. J. Troup –Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
2008 Edward Abrahamson – S. St. Paul Police Department
2008 BJ Anderson – Shakopee, MN (Civilian)
2008 Joe Arvidson – St. Paul (Civilian & Probation)
2008 Assad Awaijane – Ham Lake, MN (Civilian)
2008 Arnie Bona – New Brighton Fire Department
2008 Elgin Caldwell – New Brighton, MN (Civilian)
2008 Jesse Coyer – Crystal, MN (Civilian)
2008 Dennis Devereaux – Cottonwood, MN (Civilian)
2008 Jay Drangeid – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2008 Caid Goodwin – Osseo, MN (Civilian)
2008 Trevor Hamdorf – New Brighton Fire Department
2008 Jimmy Hamilton – Shakopee, MN (Civilian)
2008 James Hancock – Marshall, MN (Civilian)
2008 Twila Hanks – Shakopee, MN (Civilian)
2008 Dan Hobot – Brooklyn Park Fire Department
2008 Tera Kasowski – Clear Lake, MN (Civilian)
2008 David Koeller – Ramsey, MN (Civilian)
2008 Margaret Libert – Shorewood, MN (Civilian)
2008 Dominic Miller – Monticello, MN (Civilian)
2008 Brad Nyberg – Alexandria, MN (Civilian)
2008 Brian Odland – Monticello, MN (Civilian)
2008 Lindsey Paradise – Fridley, MN (Civilian)
2008 Julio Perez – St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
2008 Laura Richard – Kanabec County Sheriff’s Dispatcher
2008 Daniel Riley – Grand Rapids, MN (Civilian)
2008 Vernell Roberts – Wadena, MN (Civilian)
2008 Bryan Schmidt – Brooklyn Park Fire Department
2008 David Schmidt – Brooklyn Park Fire Department
2008 Anna Swartwood – Big Lake, MN (Civilian)
2008 Wes Thompson – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2008 Brian Wicke – S. St. Paul Police Department
2008 Dan Zeibell – Dayton, MN (Civilian)
2008 Michael Zerka – Ham Lake, MN (Civilian)
2007 Chad King – Hopkins, MN (Civilian)
2007 Kurt Kowarsch – Forest Lake Police Department
2007 Bryan Steven – North Memorial Ambulance Service
2007 Dave Emanuel – Polk County Sheriff’s Office
2007 Trent Stahlecker – Polk County Sheriff’s Office
2007 Ken Beehler – St. Cloud, MN (Civilian)
2007 Stuart Berberich – Hinckley, MN (Civilian)
2007 Kevin McFerran – Hickley, MN (Civilian)
2007 Chelsea Nemes – Elk River, MN (Civilian)
2007 Michael Underwood – Edina, MN (Civilian)
2007 Stephanie Cornelisse – Minnetonka, MN (Civilian)
2007 Laura Bennett – Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
2007 Hussein Ali – St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
2006 Patrick McGowan – Hennepin County Sheriff
2006 Eric Engh – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 Paul VanVoorhis – Minnesota State Patrol

30. 2006 Joe Heyman – Minnesota State Patrol
2006 Gordy Klingbeil – Hopkins Police Department
2006 Mark Kyllo – Hopkins Police Department
2006 G. Patrick Lilja, MD – North Memorial Medical Center
2006 Eric Bergstedt – Amery, WI (Civilian)
2006 Daniel Yezek – Kensett, IA (Civilian)
2006 Mark Chisholm – Gary, MN (Civilian)
2006 Michelle Meyer – Wabasha, MN (Civilian)
2005 Holly McDonald – Lake Crystal, MN (Civilian)
2005 Robert McDonald – Lake Crystal, MN (Civilian)
2005 Joann Schmidt – Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service
2005 Nathan Weston – St. Cloud, MN (Civilian)
2004 Dave Camarillo – Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire
2004 Kurt Hallstrom – St. Paul Police Department
2004 Tim Hawley – Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire
2004 Chad Koch – St. Paul Police Department
2004 Chris Lueck – Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire
2004 Ken Martin – Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire
2004 Katie Osby – Isanti, MN (Civilian)
2003 Mary Keimig – Canby Ambulance Service
2003 Nancy Swenson – Lake of the Woods Ambulance Service
2003 Christine Cox – Houston Ambulance Service
2002 Leonard Harrell – Mound Police Department
2002 Lauren Kubitschek – Stacy, MN (Civilian)
2001 Jill Forrest – Hopkins, MN (Civilian)
2001 Tyler Furu – Hopkins, MN (Civilian)
2001 Matt Strodel – Eden Prairie, MN (Civilian)
2000 Keith Anderson – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Chris Holloway – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Jeffrey Ostberg– Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Raul Ramos – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Larry Hartel – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Gaylen Raze – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Christopher Gram – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Peter Lage – Minneapolis Fire Department
2000 Maranda Cleveland – Hopkins, MN (Civilian)
1999 Erin Carlson – Golden Valley, MN (Civilian)
1999 Ashley Christman – Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1999 Jill Farnsworth – Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1999 Kathy Reed – Edina, MN (Civilian)
1999 Beth Van Emmerik – Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
2000 Ryan Kassulker – New Germany, MN (Civilian)
1999 Patrick M. Harding – Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1998 Rob Devin - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1998 Scott Slawson - New Hope Police Department
1998 Kathleen Lefty - Crystal Police Department
1998 Matt Dezurik - Crystal Police Department
1998 Sarah Lydeen - Wyoming, MN (Civilian)
1998 Karen Pfeiffer - Ham Lake, MN (Civilian)
1998 Angela Nguyen - Wyoming, MN (Civilian)
1998 Patrick Marzolf - St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
1997 Vang Xiong - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
1997 Sy Xiong - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
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31. -29-
1996 Troy Steece - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1996 Kraig Priller - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1996 Douglas Hoppenrath - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1996 Sharon Gehrman-Driscoll - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1996 Scott Bradley - Chaska Fire Department
1995 Daniel Shields - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1995 Jesse Mitchell - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1995 Hans Martenson - St. Louis Park, MN (Civilian)
1995 Nancy Larson - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1995 Brian Johnson -Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1995 Debra Fischer - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1995 Brian Cathers - Mound, MN (Civilian)
1994 Rondle Townsend - Brooklyn Center Police Department
1994 Timothy Schaefer - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1994 Wayne McCormick - Arlington, MN (Civilian)
1994 Daniel D. Larson - Bloomington, MN (Civilian)
1994 Joseph Kaupa - Plainview Police Department
1994 Chuck Johnson - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1994 Richard Hinrichs - Columbia Heights Fire Department
1994 Michael Cruze - Minnesota State Patrol
1993 Clark Ulysse - Brooklyn Center, MN (Civilian)
1993 Jeffrey Slater - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Keith Pattison - Willmar Ambulance Service
1993 Mark G. Littfin - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Hary Kreslins - Excelsior, MN (Civilian)
1993 Tom Kelly - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Don Gray - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 George Fett - Minnesota State Fire Educator
1993 Jonathan Barclay - Maple Grove, MN (Civilian)
1993 Scott Anding - Chanhassen Fire Department
1993 Alwyn Albright - Minnesota State Fire Educator
1992 Cordel Wiseman - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1992 David Malberg - Minneapolis Park Police Department
1992 Jessica Hilker - Dassel, MN (Civilian)
1992 Michael Hagen - Bloomington, MN (Civilian)
1992 Jeffrey G.A. Glover - FBI
1992 Michael Brown - Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office
1991 John Wright - Elk River, MN (Civilian)
1991 Rose Olson - St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
1991 Steve Nagel - Zimmerman, MN (Civilian)
1991 Jeffrey Cheesman - Bloomington, MN (Civilian)
1991 Brad Carlson - Shoreview, MN (Civilian)
1990 Jeffrey C. Kinney - Elkton, MN (Civilian)
1990 Charles D. Kinney - Austin, MN (Civilian)
1990 Jennifer Haller - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
1990 Stephen Gilkerson - FBI
1990 Richardson Albertson - Anoka County Sheriff’s Office
1990 Aswad Akhenaton - St. Paul, MN (Civilian)
1989 Steve White - Long Lake, MN (Civilian)
1989 Greg White - Long Lake, MN (Civilian)

32. 1989 Glenn Neddermeyer - Long Lake, MN (Civilian)
1989 Daniel G. Murphy - Bloomington Police Department
1989 Steve Miller – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1989 Tim Held – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1989 P.C. Davidson - F & M Ambulance Service
1988 Tom Ward – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1988 J.W. Singleton - Edina Ambulance Service
1988 Trinidad Ortiz - Plymouth, MN (Civilian)
1988 Michael J. Murphy - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1988 Kurt Kramer - North Memorial Ambulance Service
1988 Cleo Keiper - State Fire Instructor
1988 Daniel Ernest Keskey - Sebeka, MN (Civilian)
1988 Richard Dayton - Deephaven, MN (Civilian)
1988 Nan Clements - Health One Ambulance Service
1988 Robert Carlson - Maple Grove, MN (Civilian)
1988 Greg Bodin - Emergency Services Chaplain
1987 Wallace E. Prinsen - Robbinsdale Police Department
1987 William J. Hanvik - Plymouth Police Department
1987 Christopher B. Johnson - Minneapolis, MN (Civilian)
1986 Roger Smedberg - Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
1986 Michael Ridgley - Plymouth Police Department
1986 Lowell Campbell - New Hope Police Department
1985 Dale Ziner - Elk River, MN (Civilian)
1985 John Stensile - Dayton, MN (Civilian)
1985 Niel Nielsen - Plymouth Police Department
1984 Ernie Trower – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1984 Gail Plewacki - Minneapolis Police Department
1984 Rodney Nooner – Hennepin County Ambulance Service
1984 Timothy Lane - Brooklyn Park, MN (Civilian)
Doug Hoppenrath Public Safety Achievement Award
2010 Tim Farmer
2009 Paul Stelter (posthumously)
2008 O. J. Doyle
2007 No Recipient
2006 Kathy Swanson
2005 No Recipient
2004 Ernest Ruiz, MD
2003 Craig Thomseth
2002 Don Davis
2001 Greg Bodin
2000 Kurt G. Kramer
1999 Richard W. Setter
1998 Bill Chandler
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33. -31-
STATISTICAL RECORD
2010 5 Valor 14 Law Enforcement 3 EMS
16 Honor 1 Fire 16 Civilian
13 Merit
2009 3 Valor 7 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
19 Honor 0 Fire 25 Civilian
14 Merit
2008 1 Valor 17 Law Enforcement 2 EMS
19 Honor 9 Fire 27 Civilian
33 Merit
2007 0 Valor 7 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
12 Honor 1 Fire 13 Civilian
13 Merit
2006 0 Valor 10 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
21 Honor 0 Fire 21 Civilian
11 Merit
2005 5 Valor 6 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
10 Honor 0 Fire 9 Civilian
4 Merit
2004 2 Valor 6 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
9 Honor 5 Fire 7 Civilian
6 Merit
2003 2 Valor 6 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
9 Honor 0 Fire 4 Civilian
3 Merit
2002 4 Valor 6 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
5 Honor 1 Fire 3 Civilian
2 Merit
2001 0 Valor 5 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
16 Honor 6 Fire 8 Civilian
3 Merit
2000 1 Valor 4 Law Enforcement 2 EMS
9 Honor 8 Fire 5 Civilian
9 Merit
1999 1 Valor 2 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
4 Honor 0 Fire 9 Civilian
7 Merit
1998 1 Valor 7 Law Enforcement 2 EMS
9 Honor 1 Fire 9 Civilian
8 Merit

34. 1997 1 Valor 3 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
6 Honor 0 Fire 6 Civilian
2 Merit
1996 5 Valor 9 Law Enforcement 2 EMS
8 Honor 2 Fire 5 Civilian
5 Merit
1995 1 Valor 3 Law Enforcement 2 EMS
10 Honor 0 Fire 13 Civilian
7 Merit
1994 4 Valor 15 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
19 Honor 6 Fire 6 Civilian
8 Merit
1993 4 Valor 10 Law Enforcement 3 EMS
23 Honor 16 Fire 9 Civilian
11 Merit
1992 1 Valor 11 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
19 Honor 8 Fire 7 Civilian
6 Merit
1991 3 Valor 13 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
17 Honor 0 Fire 12 Civilian
5 Merit
1990 2 Valor 7 Law Enforcement 0 EMS
10 Honor 0 Fire 11 Civilian
6 Merit
1989 2 Valor 5 Law Enforcement 5 EMS
5 Honor 0 Fire 4 Civilian
7 Merit
1988 0 Valor 3 Law Enforcement 8 EMS
6 Honor 1 Fire 5 Civilian
11 Merit
1987 0 Valor 15 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
17 Honor 1 Fire 3 Civilian
3 Merit
1986 0 Valor 9 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
11 Honor 4 Fire 0 Civilian
3 Merit
1985 1 Valor 4 Law Enforcement 1 EMS
5 Honor 0 Fire 4 Civilian
3 Merit
1984 1 Valor 6 Law Enforcement 4 EMS
9 Honor 2 Fire 2 Civilian
4 Merit
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35. -33-
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
In 1984, North Memorial hosted the first annual Public Safety Service
Awards program to honor those individuals who had distinguished
themselves through acts of dedication or heroism and who might
otherwise go unnoticed. The event, sponsored by North Memorial, is held
on the second Thursday of November in the Twin Cities. Applications
nominating an individual or group of individuals are accepted throughout
the State of Minnesota for the calendar year of October 1 to September
30. All nominations must be postmarked by October 1 to be reviewed for
consideration of acceptance for the annual awards dinner in November.
They may be submitted by individuals or groups for review under the
guidelines established by the Public Safety Service Committee. The
Selection Committee is comprised of personnel from each area of the
public safety spectrum: law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire
services and civilians. Upon approval by the committee, both the recipient
and nominator are notified and requested to attend the ceremonies.
Among those who have been honored in past years are police officers,
sheriffs, FBI agents, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel
and civilians whose contributions and dedication to public safety
enriched the safety of their communities. Award presentations are made
by officials from the State of Minnesota, law enforcement, EMS and
fire. In addition to a certificate and medal for their accomplishments,
recipients each receive a photo of their award presentation and videotape
commemorating the event.

36. 3300 Oakdale Avenue North
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
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