Maple Grove swears in officer, promotes equipment operator and pins badges for fire leadership

The Maple Grove City Council on Feb. 17 administered oaths and recognized personnel moves across public-safety and public-works departments.

Mayor Mark Steffenson administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Scott Dannemiller. Police Chief Werner reported Officer Dannemiller began employment on Aug. 11, 2025, completed field training and was assigned to solo patrol on Dec. 14, 2025; he holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Cincinnati, previously served as a deputy sheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado beginning in 2022, and is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Specialist Team Leader in the Airborne Infantry.

The council approved a human-resources motion promoting Alex Naasz to lead equipment operator in the streets division and authorized staff to recruit for intermediate equipment operator and heavy equipment operator to establish promotional lists for up to one year; promotion is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Fire Chief Zikmund introduced appointments and the mayor administered oaths and badge pinning for Battalion Chiefs Carlos Davila and Jeff Olson; Captains Ben Pardun and Lucas Anderson; Lieutenants Jason Grenz, Dylan Benoit-Doom, RJ Potter, Connor Rose, Staci Kvasnik and Erik Bryz Gornia; and Firefighter Whitney Held. The chief thanked families for their support and the mayor offered applause following the pinning ceremonies.

These personnel actions were presented as part of the regular meeting agenda and were recorded in the minutes. No additional compensation details or employment contract terms were discussed at the Feb. 17 meeting.