Welcome to the Public Safety Quarterly Report for Quarter 2 of 2025! This report is intended to keep our community informed about the latest updates from our Police and Fire Divisions. Each quarter, we share key statistics, highlight significant events and provide insights into ongoing and upcoming safety initiatives.
Our goal is to foster transparency, strengthen community engagement and ensure everyone stays informed about the efforts dedicated to keeping our city safe.
Summer Safety Tips: Heat and Severe Weather
As summer temperatures rise, Fridley Public Safety reminds residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for young children, adults over 65 and people with chronic health conditions.
Heat Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives during heat waves.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even briefly.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Some warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating or no sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature (above 103°F)
Severe Weather Preparedness
Summer also brings the risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding. Stay weather-aware by monitoring local forecasts and having an emergency plan.
Severe Weather Safety Tips
- Sign up for Anoka County emergency alerts
- Have a battery-powered weather radio
- Identify safe spaces in your home (basement or interior room on lowest floor)
- Keep emergency supplies readily available (water, flashlight, first aid kit)
- Avoid flooded roads - "Turn Around, Don't Drown"
Emergency Response
If you or someone else is showing signs of heat stroke (high body temperature, confusion or loss of consciousness), call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cool location and apply cool water to their skin while waiting for help.
For severe weather emergencies, seek shelter immediately and stay indoors until conditions improve. If you see damage or downed power lines, report them to authorities but do not approach them.
Commendation Award Program
Each year, Fridley Public Safety hosts a Commendation Awards Program to recognize outstanding service. The program was officially created in 2008 to honor police officers, civilians, supervisors or volunteer members who perform exceptional service above and beyond what is expected in their normal duties. In April, we recognized the recipients of the 2024 Commendation Awards.
Program Review Process
The review committee overseeing this program consists of a Police Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, Office Coordinator and Senior Police Technician. Their role is to review all formal submissions for employee and civilian awards, ensuring each nomination meets strict criteria and established protocols. Final approval comes from the Director of Public Safety, Ryan George. Transparency and consistency are essential to maintain the program's integrity.
Award Categories
The following awards are granted to patrol officers, civilian employees, volunteers and community members, with each award having distinct requirements:
- Medal of Honor
- Medal of Valor
- Department Award of Merit
- Lifesaving Award
- Purple Heart
- Certificate of Commendation
- Citizen Service Award
- Community Involvement Award
- Officer of the Year
- Reserve Officer of the Year
- Citizen Award of Merit
- Community Partnership Award
Additional recognition is given to top performers in specialized categories including Top Gun Competiton, Traffic Contacts, Warrant Arrests, Citations Issued, Driving While Intoxicated Arrests and the Five-Year Safe Driving Certificate.
Special Recognition Awards
Since 2008, the department has presented several Lifesaving Awards to patrol officers, Fire and Allina personnel, and community members. This award recognizes individuals who, through quick action or disregard for personal safety, directly save a human life.
The Citizen Service Award recognizes citizens who provide valuable or courageous assistance to Fridley Public Safety or the public, particularly when taking prompt action without regard for their own safety.
The Community Partnership Award honors businesses that work with Fridley Public Safety to foster community initiatives, such as the Coats from Cops event and volunteer efforts from organizations like the Fridley Lions Club.
2024 Award Recipients
In April 2025, the following individuals and organizations received 2024 Commendation Awards:
- Certificate of Commendation - Officer Bryan Johnson
- Citizen Service Award - Fridley Lions Club
- Department Award of Merit - Sergeant Tyler Abrahamson, Officers Evan McNair, Carlos Montenegro and K-9 Jager
- DWI Certificate - Officers Bryan Johnson, Quinn Massey, Carlos Montenegro and Aaron Walczak
- Lifesaving Award - Officers Ivan McGee, Kao Yang, Matthew Soller, Chris Spaulding, Samantha Valencia, Alexander Wegner, Detective Josh Norgaard, Sergeants Tom Roddy and Tyler Abrahamson, Spring Lake Park Officers Dustin Lemke and Aaron Imig
- Reserve Officer of the Year - Community Service Officer Drake Ramirez
- Safe Driving Award - Community Service Officer Jeff Lambrecht, Officers Kyle Lusignan, Melissa Stephens and Chelsie Teetzel
- Top Gun Award - Deputy Director Patrick Faber
- Traffic Certificate - Officers Bryan Johnson, Quinn Massey, Carlos Montenegro and Daniel Reich
- Warrant Certificate - Officers Bryan Johnson, Quinn Massey, Melissa Stephens and Sergeant Shawn Murphy
Taking time each year to honor our dedicated professionals for their achievements is extremely import. While these individuals never seek recognition or attention, they are highly deserving of this acknowledgement for their exceptional service to the community.
Division Highlight: Administrative Division
The Administrative Division consists of nine dedicated civilian staff members, both full-time and part-time, under the supervision of a lieutenant. It is the only division with the agency where all personnel are non-sworn staff.
The division includes six full-time Senior Police Technicians and three part-time Desk Officers. While uniformed police officers the most visible members of the agency, police technicians have significant visibility and impact on daily operations. While their work often happens behind the scenes, the Administrative Division plays a vital role in the agency's success. Their professionalism, experience and dedication significantly enhance the department's efficiency and service to the community.
Police Technicians
Police Technicians are essential to department operations. They handle the processing, reporting and distribution of all police reports, data and evidence. Each year, they process approximately 5,000 public data requests and transmit a similar number of cases to various prosecuting attorney offices. They also complete hundreds of employee background checks and firearm permit verifications.
Additionally, Police Technicians manage all physical and digital evidence collected by the agency, ensuring its integrity and proper storage. Their meticulous work ensures that evidence remains secure and accessible when needed for court proceedings and investigations.
Desk Officers
The three part-time Desk Officers are retired police officers who work seven days each pay period to support the uniformed patrol division. They handle reports from community members who visit City Hall, take calls from dispatch when an on-scene officer is not required, and review online reports submitted by the public.
Their work allows uniformed officers to focus on patrol duties and area assignments. One Desk Officer brings specialized crime analysis experience and provides valuable support to the Anoka County Auto Theft Task Force.
District Officers
The Fridley Police Department utilizes a district-based policing approach to strengthen community connections and improve public safety services throughout the city. Fridley is divided into six districts, each assigned to a sergeant who leads a team of officers and staff members dedicated to serving their specific geographic area.
Your District Officers
Note: Many direct numbers listed below are voicemail only as officers spend much of their working hours in the field. Depending on shifts and schedules, these messages may not be immediately received. Please dial 911 in case of emergency or if you need to speak to an officer right away.
- District 1: Sergeant Jason Kuefler (763-502-1903)
- District 2: Sergeant Erik Johnson (763-502-1914)
- District 3: Sergeant Tom Roddy (763-502-1950)
- District 4: Shawn Murphy (763-238-7805)
- District 5: Sergeant Chris McClish (763-502-1967)
- District 6: Sergeant Tyler Abrahamson (763-502-1912)
Find your district, district officer and other neighborhood information by using the Fridley Neighborhood Interactive Map. Enter your address and learn more about your community.
Community-Focused Service
District Officers serve as the primary point of contact for their assigned areas, focusing on quality-of-life issues, neighborhood problems and community engagement that goes beyond traditional 911 response. They handle a variety of non-emergency concerns including:
- Parking complaints
- Neighbor disputes
- Business-related issues
- Follow-up investigations
- Long-term problem solving
- Community engagement initiatives
When to Contact Your District Officer
Community members are encouraged to contact their District Officer when dealing with issues that are not emergencies or criminal in nature, or situations that may not require a formal police report. This approach allows any patrol officers to focus on emergency response while District Officers address ongoing community concerns and build lasting relationships.
Proactive Problem Solving
By maintaining more focus in their districts, these officers become familiar with local patterns, recurring issues and community needs. They work proactively to identify potential problems before they escalate and develop targeted solutions in partnership with residents and businesses.
District Officers focus on understanding the unique characteristics of their assigned areas, including traffic patterns, neighborhood dynamics and local concerns. This specialized knowledge enables them to provide more effective, personalized service to their communities.
Building Stronger Communities
The district model demonstrates Fridley's commitment to community policing that emphasizes partnership, problem-solving and prevention. Through regular interaction with residents, business owners, and community organizations, District Officers help create an environment where public safety is a shared responsibility.
This approach fosters trust, encourages open communication, and helps ensure that police services are responsive to the specific needs of each neighborhood within Fridley.
Officer Memorial Week
Officer Bryan Johnson recently attended National Police Week in Washington, D.C., describing it as one of the most powerful and emotional experiences of his law enforcement career. The week-long event brings together thousands of officers and families who have experienced loss, creating a deeper understanding of the risks and sacrifices that come with wearing the badge.
Officer Bryan Johnson's Experience
From the candlelight vigil at the National Mall to the solemn ceremonies at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, every moment served as a reminder of the courage and dedication it takes to serve our communities. This was Officer Johnson's first time attending the event, but it held special personal meaning for him. His fiancée's father was killed in the line of duty in 2010, and being able to stand beside her and her family during the week gave him a unique perspective on the pain and pride that survivors carry.
While in Washington D.C., Officer Johnson visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall, which includes the names of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The wall contains over 24,000 names - a stark reminder that behind every badge is a family that sacrifices even more. Officer Johnson felt a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility, not only as a protector of the public but also as someone entrusted with honoring those who came before him.
The experience reminded Officer Johnson that law enforcement is more than a job - it's a calling rooted in service, sacrifice and unity. The bonds formed with fellow officers and survivor families during the week were powerful and lasting. He returned to Fridley with a heart full of gratitude and a promise to carry forward the legacy of fallen heroes. Their memory drives officers to continue serving with integrity, bravery and compassion.
Recent Retirements
In Quarter 2, we celebrated the retirement of two individuals who served with the Fridley Public Safety Department for many years.
Deputy Director Steve Monsrud - Badge 122
Deputy Director Steve Monsrud began his career with the Fridley Police Department on April 14, 1993, as a Community Service Officer. On December 12, 1995, Steve started his journey as a police officer with the City of Fridley. Over his career, Steve moved up through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant of Patrol, Lieutenant of Support Administration and was promoted to Deputy Director of Public Safety on July 1, 2023.
Throughout his career, Steve has been a dedicated and reliable employee. His ability to remain calm under pressure and provide reassurance to both staff and community members has been invaluable to the department. After nearly 32 years of service to the City of Fridley, Deputy Director Monsrud retired on March 31, 2025.
Patrol Officer Mike Williams - Badge 134
Patrol Officer Mike Williams, Badge 134, began his journey with the Fridley Police Department on June 18, 2001. His charismatic, fun-loving personality and positive attitude were an asset to the department from day one. Mike served on patrol for 24 years before retiring on July 10, 2025.
Officer Williams will be remembered for his genuine nature, dedication to the profession and commitment to mentoring fellow officers. He consistently treated everyone with respect and kindness, and his contagious laugh and partnership made him a valued colleague. His positive impact on both the department and the community will be remembered for years to come.
Safety Camp
On June 24-25, Fridley Public Safety partnered with Parks and Recreation to host Safety Camp for area children ages 8-10 at the Fridley Civic Campus. The camp is designed to reduce accidents and injuries among young children while teaching them skills to handle emergency or stressful situations.
Safety topics covered included outdoor safety, animal safety, drug prevention, electrical safety, water safety, bicycle safety and home alone safety. Presenters included Fridley police officers and firefighters, Anoka County 911 Communications, Allina Health, The Raptor Center and North Star Search and Rescue, among others.
The children had a great time learning important safety skills, and all campers went home with a new bike helmet to help keep them safe while riding.
K9 Unit
The Fridley Police K9 Unit was established in 2009 with the department's first two police dogs, K9 Nitro and K9 Kona, who retired around 2016. K9 Jax and K9 Jager served as the third and fourth police dogs but have also since retired. In Quarter 2, our newest K9 graduated and became certified. Currently, the K9 Unit consists of Sergeant Tom Roddy with K9 Finn and Officer Waddle with K9 Knox.
K9 Finn
K9 Finn is a 10-year-old German Shepherd imported from the Czech Republic. The Fridley Police Department purchased K9 Finn in February 2018, and Sergeant Roddy and K9 Finn began training with McDonough K9 in March 2018. After completing several weeks of obedience, scent detection and patrol dog training, the team graduated in June 2018.
K9 Knox - New this Year!
K9 Knox is a 1-year-old German Shepherd imported from Germany. The Fridley Police Department purchased K9 Knox at the beginning of 2025. Officer Waddle and K9 Knox completed 15 weeks of intensive training with McDonough K9 from March through June 2025. Before graduating, K9 Knox was certified for duty by meeting all qualification requirements of the Northern Police Canine Association and United States Police Canine Association.
Training and Certification
Fridley Police K9 units certify yearly with the United States Police Canine Association in various disciplines, including building searches, human tracking, criminal apprehension and narcotics detection. The K9 Unit has shown great success in certification events and field deployments, leading to seizures of drugs and arrests of violent offenders.
Recognition and Community Engagement
At the 2024 Fridley Public Safety Commendation Awards Ceremony, K9 Finn and K9 Jager received Certificates of Commendation for their years of dedicated service and successful operations. The Fridley Police K9 Unit also provides public demonstrations and informational sessions several times each year at community events.
For more information about the Fridley K9 Unit or if you wish to make a generous donation to our K9 program, contact Sergeant Tom Roddy.
Police Explorers
The Fridley Police Explorer Program continues to thrive, providing valuable opportunities for young people to learn about law enforcement and develop essential leadership skills. This program serves as a bridge between law enforcement and youth, helping develop successful young adults who can apply the values and skills gained to their future careers. This spring, the Fridley Explorers competed at the state competition and brought home three awards.
State Explorer Competition Awards
In April, the Fridley Police Explorers participated in the annual State Explorer Competition in Rochester, Minnesota. After working hard all season, they represented Fridley exceptionally well and brought home impressive results:
- Second Place in Retail Crime
- Third Place in Domestic Crisis
- Fourth Place in Traffic Crash
Please join us in congratulating these exemplary young community members and their advisors on a phenomenal season of achievement and service.
What is the Police Explorer Program?
The Police Explorer Program is designed for high school students who maintain at least a C grade average and are interested in learning about law enforcement careers. Explorers train side-by-side with active Fridley Police Officers in a hands-on environment that builds experience valuable for future job interviews and college applications.
Training and Skills Development
Explorers receive training in various law enforcement scenarios, including:
The program instills core values such as honor, duty, sacrifice and valor while teaching practical skills that benefit participants throughout their lives.
Community Involvement
Throughout the year, Explorers provide community service support at multiple events including '49er Days and other public safety initiatives. Their dedication and enthusiasm continue to impress residents and serve as excellent ambassadors for law enforcement. The program also provides opportunities for Explorers to participate in ride-a-longs and community events.
Join the Explorer Program
The Police Explorer Program welcomes high school students interested in law enforcement careers. This is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable skills, learn about law enforcement in a hands-on environment, and make connections that can benefit future careers.
Night to Unite - Coming Soon!
Night to Unite, formerly known as National Night Out, is an annual community-building event held on the first Tuesday in August from 6-9 p.m. throughout Fridley. This nationwide initiative brings neighbors together through block parties registered throughout the city, creating opportunities for residents to connect with each other and build meaningful relationships with the Public Safety Department.
Register to host a block party! This year's Night to Unite is on August 5. If you are interested in hosting a block party, learn more and register at FridleyMN.gov/NightToUnite.
Fridley Lions Spring Highway Clean Up
Fridley Public Safety proudly supported the Fridley Lions Club in their spring highway cleanup event. Fridley Police Officers, Police Explorers, Reserve Officers and Fire Corps Members joined Lions Club members, Fridley Baseball players, the Fridley High School Trap Team and community volunteers in cleaning litter from major roadways throughout the city.
Community Impact
Volunteers collected trash from both sides of Highway 65 NE between Osborne Road NE and 53rd Avenue NE. The combined effort resulted in 84 bags of trash and various other items being removed from the roadway.
The Fridley Lions Club expressed their gratitude to all participating organizations for their dedication to keeping the community clean and beautiful.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
This partnership demonstrates Fridley Public Safety's commitment to community involvement beyond emergency response. Working alongside the Lions Club and other volunteers reinforces the importance of shared responsibility for maintaining our city's appearance and environmental health. Events like these strengthen the bonds between public safety personnel and the community they serve.
Staff Spotlight - Lieutenant Titus
Lieutenant Kevin Titus grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota and moved to the metro area after being selected to become a police officer with the City of Fridley in 2007.
Education and Training: Lieutenant Titus graduated from Itasca Community College with an Associates of Arts degree, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology from Bemidji State University. He later earned a Master of Arts in Police Leadership from St. Thomas University and graduated from the FBI National Academy Leadership School Class 282 in 2022.
Career Background: Lieutenant Titus comes from a family with a history of public service, including his grandfather and mother, though he is the first in his family to work in law enforcement. He began his career as a probation officer in Wright County from 2001-2004, then transferred to Itasca County probation where he served from 2004-2007 before returning to school to become a police officer.
Service at Fridley Public Safety: At Fridley Public Safety, Lieutenant Titus has served in various roles including Patrol Officer, Detective, School Resource Officer, Sergeant and Lieutenant. His current duties include supervising the investigations and school resource units, serving as public information officer and overseeing the background unit.
Why Fridley: From his first ride-along to get a "feel" for the department, Lieutenant Titus felt welcomed and supported. The City of Fridley provides a family-like atmosphere where employees feel supported while being challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to better serve the community. Lieutenant Titus considers himself fortunate to have had this opportunity to grow and serve with Fridley Public Safety.
Recent Promotions
On Wednesday, May 28 Fridley hosted a Public Safety Promotion Ceremony to recognize our recently promoted Public Safety personnel. The promotions within the Fire Division include:
- James Lange - Deputy Director/Fire Chief
- Jamie Jude - Paid On-Call Lieutenant
- Matt Kruc - Firefighter/Inspector
- Tyler Koll - Full-Time Firefighter
Household Hazardous Waste Event
Fridley Public Safety partnered with Anoka County Public Health and Human Services to provide residents of Fridley and the surrounding communities an opportunity to drop off their hazardous household waste on Saturday, May 31 at the Fridley Fire Division. This event helps make our community safer by helping people safely remove toxic chemicals from their homes.
Willows Bend Pancake Fundraiser
Special thanks to Willows Bend for organizing and hosting a pancake breakfast to support the Fridley Fire Division! Fridley firefighters were invited to attend and speak with residents. The funds raised from the breakfast were donated to the Fridley Fire Division to purchase a decontamination table to assist in operations.
Thank you for your support, Willow's Bend!
Live Fire Training
Fridley Firefighters Jon Aldrich and Dean Knowles organized lived burn training at the East Metro Training Facility in Maplewood this quarter. The EMTF offers two fire simulator buildings: a tower and a two-story house with a basement and garage. The facility also includes classroom space that can be used for training.
The goal of this kind of training is to provide firefighters with a live fire environment in a controlled and safe setting. This training allows Fridley to develop our fire suppression and rescue tactics to better serve the community.
Learn CPR and Save a Life!
Fridley Public Safety wants to make Fridley a Heart Safe Community. Sign up for one of our upcoming classes to learn CPR. The next classes will be held on Thursday, June 26 and Saturday, September 13.
Learn more
Fire Explorers
The Fridley Fire Explorers participated in a Class B live burn this May. They got to apply skills they have been practicing at the Fire Station by practicing forcible entry, deploying fire hoses and extinguishing actual fire. The Fridley Explorers are looking forward to the State Explorers Competition at the State Fair in August.
Fridley High School - Opportunities in Emergency Care (OEC)
Fridley Fire finished its annual visits to the Fridley High School OEC class. There they helped teach students valuable EMT skills by working through different medical scenarios. Additionally, Fridley and Spring Lake Park High School OEC students have been participating in ride-a-longs for the past several months. Students have had the opportunity to put their education to work in the real world!
Lifesaving Acts
Congratulations to Cory Hanley and Dean Knowles whose lifesaving acts were recently recognized with public safety lifesaver awards!
Baby Delivery
Congratulations Jon Aldrich, Walt Messer, Jamie Jude and Fire Intern Ella on delivering a healthy baby girl on May 5, 2025!
Congratulations, Graduate!
Fridley Firefighter Pablo Garcia-Rikkers graduated from the Anoka County Fire Training Academy in May. Pablo is now transitioning from Fire Intern to Paid On-Call Firefighter.
Fire Safety
In May, Fridley Fire attended Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary School to talk to their first graders about fire safety. Over 100 first graders learned about getting out of a fire safely by crawling low below the smoke. They also learned about having a safe meeting space with their families for emergencies. Students had fun seeing Fridley Engine 2 and firefighter gear and equipment up-close!
Partnership with St. Williams Catholic Church - CPR and Fall Prevention
Fridley Fire partnered with St. Williams Catholic Church to help teach CPR to staff members and volunteers. The Fire Division taught lifesaving skills to those in attendance. Fridley Fire also spoke to seniors at St. Williams about fall prevention.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in adults over the age of 65. Seniors were taught several simple steps that can help prevent falls and simple steps for what to do if they do have a fall. We are working on setting up similar events and training at different locations throughout the City.
Large Fire Alarm Panel Replacement
A commercial property owner with six larger, multi-tenant buildings replaced all of their fire alarm panels, allowing for more accurate and reliable monitoring. After discovering frequent trouble alarms over the past few years, the decision was made to bring these up to modern standards by including fully addressable devices, cellular reporting and increased reliability.
NFIRS to NERIS Transition
Fire Inspector Williams has been working with the Anoka County Data Standards Committee on the transition from the NFIRS to NERIS reporting Standard. This will allow Fridley, and eventually all fire departments, to more accurately track the types of calls for service they respond to and what specific actions are taken on that call. The current national standard is decades old and has many non-specific categories. Better data will drive more informed decision making and give a better picture of trends, locally and nationally.
Commercial Inspection Statistics - (Year-to-Date: June 17)
- 231 Initial Inspections
- 36 Compliance Checks
- 14 Re-inspections (two or more visits to resolve the issue)
- 28 Pending Compliance Checks