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Goodview council approves counseling for fire department and orders closures for funeral of Chief Jason Gruett
Summary
Following the March 12 line-of-duty death of Fire Chief Jason Gruett, the Goodview City Council approved two counseling sessions per fire department member, authorized closures of City Hall and the Street Department for the funeral, and approved a street closure for procession staging.
Mayor Ben Klinger announced that Fire Chief Jason Gruett died unexpectedly on March 12, 2025 and that the death has been designated as in the line of duty, enabling benefits and a full firefighter funeral.
The council approved offering up to two counseling sessions per Goodview Fire Department member to help staff cope with the loss. Councilmember Dick Ledebuhr moved the measure and Councilmember Charlie Andring seconded it; the motion carried with four votes in favor and Mayor Klinger abstaining. City Administrator Dan Matejka estimated the cost at just under $8,000 if every member used both sessions.
Police Chief Lonnie Roloff said the Police Department will be out of service Thursday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the funeral; Winona Police Department will cover calls during that interval. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Kramer reviewed department coverage for the week, noting mutual-aid support from the Winona, Red Wing and Stewartville fire departments while local crews attend wake and funeral services. Director of Public Works Dave Schultz reported the city's emergency sirens have been serviced for the season.
The council also approved two operational steps to facilitate attendance and the funeral procession: closure of City Hall and the Street Department from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on March 20, 2025, and closure of Service Drive from 34th Avenue to 44th Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to allow for procession staging. Both measures passed on unanimous votes.
The council adjourned at 6:36 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Goodview City Hall.
