Saint Paul Park swears in new firefighter; firefighters’ fund donates $3,401.70 for AEDs

The Saint Paul Park City Council swore in a new firefighter, Levi Moran, and the Saint Paul Park Firefighters Fund presented the city with a check for $3,401.70 to cover two automated external defibrillators, the council said Sept. 2. Why it matters: New hires and lifesaving equipment purchases are routine municipal public-safety matters; the donation reimburses the city for two AEDs purchased for front-line apparatus. During a brief ceremony the oath of office was administered to Levi Moran. The presiding official led the traditional oath, to which Moran responded, “I do solemnly swear…” and affirmed he would “faithfully discharge the duties of a firefighter for the city of Saint Paul Park.” Dustin Aziki, president of the Saint Paul Park Firefighters Fund, presented the donation and told the council the fund’s meat raffles and fundraisers paid for the AEDs. Aziki said the donation totaled $3,401.70 and covered two units: one for the front apparatus and one to replace an AED in the chief’s vehicle. “We were able to buy 2 AEDs… so I’m here to donate you guys a check for $3,401 and 70¢ for the purchase of those AEDs,” he said. Mayor Franke and council members received the donation with thanks; no formal council action or ordinance was required to accept the check. Council members thanked the firefighters and volunteers for the equipment and the department’s service to the community. Clarifying details: Levi Moran was administered the oath of office at the meeting. The donation amount and intended use (two AEDs—one for front apparatus, one to replace an AED in the chief’s truck) were stated by Dustin Aziki. No further council action was recorded at the meeting regarding hiring or budget appropriations; ceremonial swearing and the donation were acknowledged and accepted by the council.