The University of Minnesota Police Department partners with members of the community to maintain a safe and secure campus. We recognize those citizens who assist in preventing, stopping, and solving crime with special awards throughout the year. We also recognize outstanding performance by the officers and staff of the the UMPD.

UMPD Citizens Awards

On September 12th and October 3rd University Police Chief Greg Hestness presented Citizen Awards to University Staff and Community Members for their assistance during the I-35W Bridge Collapse.

(click here to enlarge)

(click here to enlarge)

Anne Barron, William Barron, Michael Hoang, Philip Moody, Peter Netzel and Meagan O’Brien citizens assisted Officer Seitz in removing critically injured occupants from vehicles on the north end of the collapsed I-35W Bridge. They also helped carry the ambulatory out of the dangerous collapse to waiting paramedics.

(click here to enlarge)

Michael Benson Parking Services Employee assisted several Officers on the scene. Officers Lombardi and Rivers specifically mentioned Michael’s selfless actions in helping load and transport ambulatory victims from the I-35W Bridge collapse.

(click here to enlarge)

Brent Roos and Rick Swanson Facilities Management employees were dispatched to the Tandem Lab to secure the building. There was a concern for the mercury that is present in the building. There was issue with the power going into the building as a result of the downed power lines in the area. Once they secured the building they returned to the West Bank. They were then asked to set up a potential staging area for the victim’s families to gather in the Law School Building. They also dispatched Trades and Mechanics to the various mechanical issues that resulted from the ensuing power surge.

UMPD Appreciation Awards

On October 3rd University Police Chief Greg Hestness presented Appreciation Awards to Business Owners for their assistance during the I-35W Bridge Collapse.

(click here to enlarge)

While at the scene, emergency personnel were dying of thirst and needed water. Officers Maciejewski, Tossey, Quast and Stephney headed to Harvard Market East. They rushed in and said they needed water. The on-duty manager was already on the phone with the owner Brad Mateer, who said have the Officers take whatever they needed. They loaded as much into their trunk and a passing Red Cross pickup then returned to the site to distribute the water.

(click here to enlarge)

Jim Rosvold owner of Campus Pizza provided 15 pizzas for lunch on August 2nd to emergency responders working at the bridge collapse site.