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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Martin, Communications Assistant
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two police officers receive internal recognition
Edina, Minn., Oct. 5, 2012 – Two Edina police officers received department accolades this week for their
exceptional service.
Sgt. Vik Konters received the Distinguished Service Award for his 20 years of service with the Minnesota Law
Enforcement Memorial Honor Guard (LEMA). A founding member of the organization whose mission is to
assists families of officers who have died in the line of duty, Konters has dedicated his wisdom and time to
building the first statewide honor guard.
During his tenure, Konters took part in honoring more than 20 fallen police officers and participating in 150
LEMA events around the country. He also served as an instructor at Camp Ripley for LEMA training.
“Sgt. Konters contributed thousands of volunteer hours, has been a tremendous role model and was
described by officials at LEMA as an ‘irreplaceable man with enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail,’”
said Edina Police Chief Jeff Long at the Oct. 2 City Council meeting, where Konters was presented the
accolade. “By so generously and faithfully giving his time and talent, Sgt. Konters has made a positive impact
on Minnesota law enforcement families and beyond.”
Officer Jim Rygg received the Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to safety through traffic
enforcement during his 18-year career with the Edina Police Department. Since joining the department, Rygg
has written 25,000 citations and despite his continuous contact with residents, Long said Rygg has always
remained respectful and exemplifies the high level of dedication and professionalism the City of Edina aspires
to.
“It is always nice to be recognized for the work that we do,” said Rygg, “even more so when your coworkers
and family are there to share in it."
Distinguished Service Awards are selected from nominations to an internal awards committee and then
referred to the Chief of Police to make the final decision. There are numerous nominations every year, but
only a select few are awarded.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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