HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch26-SOTA Lifetime Achievement
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Krystal Caron, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0347 • kcaron@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Police Sgt. To Receive Special Operations Training
Association Lifetime Achievement Award
Edina, Minn., March 26, 2014 – Sgt. Scott Kuyper will be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from
Special Operations Training Association (SOTA) of the Upper Midwest. This recognition is awarded to
officers who serve as members of a SWAT team. Kuyper will receive this award at a March 31banquet at the
River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minn.
SOTA of the Upper Midwest is a non-profit organization comprised of public safety personnel, including
tactical officers, crisis negotiators, safety personnel, legal advisors, communication support and paramedics.
“They need to be honored because it’s a big job and it’s in addition to what they do already,” said SOTA
Business Manager Darlyne Erickson. “When you’re a leader of a team, you need to be honored for that. They
go above and beyond.”
Kuyper served as a SWAT team leader for 12 years. In addition, he served as an instructor in the areas of use
of force, defensive tactics and firearms.
Kuyper was nominated by fellow officer Sgt. Kevin Rofidal. “Scott has made contributions before, after and
during his time on SWAT,” said Rofidal. “He has continued to assist with training. Whether it’s newer or
more seasoned officers, we can always improve. Scott is always trying to learn new things and take those skills
and teach them. His teaching environment extended beyond Edina. Scott [instructs] at much greater levels
and far-reaching numbers.”
Kuyper served as a SOTA board member from 2003-2006, as a charter member of the International Law
Enforcement Training Association member and as a member of Association of Training Officers of Minnesota.
He was also active in creation of the Southwest Basic SWAT School, Southwest SWAT consortium and the
addition of the Tactical Medic program to the Edina SWAT team.
The City of Edina SWAT Team has received SOTA awards in the past. Most recently, Detective Tom
McKenzie received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
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