Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Edina honors public‑safety employees and citizen rescuers
Summary
At its March 17 meeting the council recognized two YMCA employees for saving a swimmer, named Donna Nelson the 2025 Public Safety Employee of the Year, named Todd Porthan Firefighter of the Year and presented the Mike Satory Officer of the Year Award to Officer Gabby Doyle.
The council held a special recognitions segment to honor lifesaving efforts and outstanding public‑safety work.
Chiefs Andrew Slama and (Police) Milburn recounted a Jan. 22 rescue at the Southdale YMCA in which lifeguard James Parker entered the water and Brian Myers assisted; their immediate CPR and AED use restored a pulse before paramedics arrived. Parker, an employee of the YMCA, said, "In the moment, it's all training and focus," and expressed gratitude for the chance to serve.
Chief Milburn presented the 2025 Public Safety Employee of the Year award to Donna Nelson, an embedded social worker with the Edina Police Department, for sustained crisis work and long hours supporting complex clients. Nelson said the recognition was "a shock" and thanked colleagues for trusting her to serve.
Fire Chief Andrew Slama introduced Todd Porthan as the Firefighter of the Year for 2025, citing long service, readiness and mentoring. Porthan said he could not accept the award as an individual and praised his team. Officer Gabby Doyle received the Mike Satory Officer of the Year Award for training, D.A.R.E. work and investigative contributions; Doyle thanked her family and fellow officers.
These recognitions were ceremonial and did not require council action beyond acknowledgment.
