Local Public Safety Foundation Announces 2025 Award Recipients

(KNSI) – The Public Safety Foundation announced the recipients of the 2025 Public Safety Awards, which include an officer who suffered a fractured hand and foot during a confrontation with a suspect.

In March of 2025, while off duty, Officer Vic Weiss intervened in an attempted assault and robbery along the Wobegon Trail. He was riding his bike when he was stopped by a man who said someone had assaulted him and tried to rob him. Weiss stayed with the man, and the suspect came back, tried to steal Weiss’s bike, and punched him several times. Weiss fought back, ultimately knocking him into the ditch and holding him at bay until backup arrived. Weiss earned the department’s Medal of Valor for his actions.

“This year’s recipients represent the very best of Central Minnesota’s public safety community,” the Foundation stated. “Their actions – whether saving lives, building programs for youth, advancing critical investigations, or serving quietly behind the scenes – reflect courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people they serve.”

According to a press release from the Public Safety Foundation, the other 2025 Award Recipients are:

Public Safety Responder Award – Officer Andrew Gronli, St. Cloud Police Department

Officer Gronli is recognized for his extraordinary leadership in creating and growing the Cop House Fishing Crew program. Over the past five years, he built the program from the ground up, engaging hundreds of youth in outdoor experiences, providing mentorship, and fostering community trust. His vision has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Public Safety Responder Award – Investigator Tony Kotschevar, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office

Investigator Kotschevar is honored for his exceptional investigative work on complex and long-term cases, including the closure of the decades-old Baby Jane Doe case, solving a church arson, and securing justice in sexual assault investigations. His thoroughness, determination, and care for victims embody the highest standards of public safety service.

Public Safety Team Award – Stearns County Emergency Communications Center

The Emergency Telecommunicators at the Stearns County ECC are recognized for their resilience and dedication during a year of major operational transitions. From implementing new Computer-Aided Dispatch and PROQA systems to handling more than 225,000 calls with professionalism during staffing shortages, this team continues to provide lifesaving guidance and unwavering support to first responders and the public. The ECC received multiple community nominations, reflecting widespread respect for their critical role.

Public Safety Responder Award – Chief Jason Fleming, Sauk Rapids Fire Department

Chief Fleming is recognized for a lifetime of service and dedication in both fire safety and building code enforcement. His leadership as Fire Chief and Certified Building Official reflects a career defined by protecting lives, preserving property, and advancing public safety in Sauk Rapids and beyond.

Public Safety Team Award – St. Cloud Police Department Reserve Officer Unit

The Reserve Officer Unit, made up of dedicated volunteers, has given hundreds of hours in service at large community events and training programs. Their commitment to supporting sworn officers and engaging with the public makes them an essential part of community safety and connection.

Public Safety Citizen Responder Award – Kayden Bollman (Kimball)

At just 15 years old, Kayden courageously performed CPR on her grandfather during a medical emergency, assisted by a passing off-duty officer and emergency responders. While the outcome was tragic for her family, Kayden’s quick action demonstrated remarkable courage, training, and presence of mind that deserve recognition.

Public Safety Responder Award – Aaron Rosenberger, Emergency Telecommunicator

Aaron is honored for his critical role in the same incident, providing calm, clear instructions that guided lifesaving efforts. His professionalism and expertise highlight the indispensable role of Emergency Telecommunicators in the chain of survival.

Public Safety Responder Award – Firefighter Izaak Theis, Kimball Fire Department

Firefighter Theis joined in the coordinated effort during the same incident, working alongside Kayden and Aaron to sustain life until advanced medical care arrived. His commitment and teamwork exemplify the spirit of service that defines public safety.

Public Safety Supporter Award – Ernie Wollak

Closing out this year’s recognitions, the Foundation is proud to honor Ernie Wollak with the Public Safety Supporter Award. As a longtime board member, Ernie has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s work. He has devoted countless volunteer hours to the successful development of two Community OutPost (COP House) builds and continues to be one of the Foundation’s strongest advocates. His leadership, dedication, and generosity have left a lasting mark on both the Foundation and the communities it serves.

Honorable Nominations

In addition to the 2025 award recipients, the Foundation proudly acknowledges those who were nominated for their outstanding service:

• Advocates for Health – for their work in installing and training communities on AEDs, Naloxone, and Stop the Bleed kits.

• St. Joseph Police Department, St. Joseph Fire and Rescue, and Mayo Ambulance – for coordinated lifesaving responses to medical emergencies in their community.

• Investigator Nate Younkin, Stearns County Sheriff’s Office – for his leadership in welfare fraud prevention and investigation, resulting in significant savings and restored trust.

• Public Safety Director Brandon Silgjord, Sartell Public Safety – for his forward-thinking leadership and innovative approach to strengthening public safety operations.

The Foundation emphasizes that being nominated reflects the high esteem and gratitude of peers, partners, and community members. These annual awards “recognize outstanding public safety professionals, teams, and community partners who go above and beyond to protect, serve, and strengthen our communities.”

The ceremony is Friday, October 24th, at the Park Event Center in Waite Park.

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