Community Heroes Honored at Apple Valley City Council Meeting

APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA – At the June 12, 2025, Apple Valley City Council meeting, Apple Valley Police Chief Nick Francis took a moment to spotlight the remarkable actions of three community members and two department personnel. In front of elected officials, fellow officers, and members of the public, Chief Francis presented three Certificates of Recognition and two Chief’s Awards of Merit for Education, highlighting a shared commitment to public safety, quick action, and community support.

Community Members Recognized for Lifesaving Actions

Logan Widgren was the first to receive a Certificate of Recognition for his quick response to a medical emergency at LA Fitness on January 4, 2024. When a gym member collapsed, unconscious and not breathing, Widgren immediately retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and began CPR. His efforts kept the patient stable until first responders arrived. Thanks to his decisive action, the patient regained a pulse and was breathing on their own before being transported to a hospital.

Jeffrey Finkelstein, a retired physician, received a Certificate of Recognition for his heroic response on May 11, 2024, at the scene of a serious motorcycle crash. Arriving before emergency personnel, Finkelstein provided critical medical aid and scene stabilization to a severely injured rider. The patient, initially not expected to survive, has since made meaningful progress in recovery. Chief Francis emphasized Finkelstein’s composure and experience as key to the positive outcome.
You can read more about this crash here: Serious Crash Involving a Motorcycle and SUV Rollover in Apple Valley.

Steven Hylbak earned a Certificate of Recognition for his vigilant and courageous actions on June 30, 2024, when he noticed smoke emerging from a neighbor’s home. Realizing the urgency, Hylbak pounded on the door, alerted the unaware residents, and helped evacuate the occupants and their pets. His prompt intervention prevented further damage and potentially saved lives, as the fire was found actively burning within a pillar near the front door.

Department Leaders Honored for Mental Health Training Initiative

In addition to celebrating the efforts of civilians, Chief Francis awarded the Chief’s Award of Merit for Education to Lieutenant Sean Zauhar and Dr. Garry Allen for their work in developing an innovative in-house Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program for Apple Valley Police officers.

As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to service and professional growth, Zauhar and Allen created a CIT curriculum tailored specifically to Apple Valley’s needs. The program was approved by the Minnesota POST Board and incorporated both classroom instruction and hands-on scenario training. They collaborated with social service workers, members of the Community Impact Unit, and professional actors to design realistic mental health scenarios for officers.

With over 50 sworn staff participating, this initiative helped improve public safety, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and enhance officers’ ability to connect residents with appropriate mental health resources. Chief Francis praised the program as a model for building stronger community relationships and preventing crisis situations.

Provided by Apple Valley Police Chief Nick Francis.

Written by: Will Wight


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