Crystal Officer Recognized for Probation Completion and Life-Saving Actions
Officer Frank D. Blake was lauded at a recent City Council meeting for successfully concluding his probationary period and for his critical intervention in an opioid overdose incident that occurred last year.
Officer Frank D. Blake of the Crystal Police Department was formally recognized at the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting for the successful completion of his probationary period, which officially concluded on May 19, 2025. His transition to a full-time officer was accompanied by commendation for his heroic efforts, as he, alongside Officer Jeff Clevenger, received a Life Saving Award for their critical intervention in an opioid overdose incident that occurred shortly after his probation ended, on May 28, 2025. The commendation highlighted the swift action taken by the officers, which proved pivotal in preventing a fatality.
I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.
The incident that earned Officer Blake and Officer Clevenger their commendation unfolded on May 28, 2025, at Grandma's Place Apartments. Responding to an emergency call, the officers encountered a victim in critical condition due to an opioid overdose. Their prompt medical intervention, including the administration of life-saving measures, was directly credited with saving the individual's life. Officer Clevenger was not present at the ceremony to receive his award.
If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.
The official recognition of Officer Blake's probationary completion, nearly a year after the actual date, signifies the council's formal acknowledgment of his readiness and capability to serve the Crystal community. The probationary phase is a rigorous period of training and evaluation, ensuring new officers meet the high standards required for public safety. His subsequent involvement in a life-saving act shortly after completing probation underscored his dedication and effective application of training in real-world scenarios.
Officer Blake's Local Journey to Service
Officer Blake's successful completion of probation and the subsequent life-saving award serve as a testament to his commitment and the effectiveness of the department's training protocols. As he continues his career, the Crystal community can anticipate continued dedicated service from an officer who has already proven his ability to act decisively and compassionately in critical situations. The department also used the May 19, 2026, meeting to honor Crime Analyst Matt Hafner with an Award of Merit for his exceptional work on a human trafficking case, further showcasing the diverse contributions within the police force.
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Areas of Interest (7)
- Crystal Police Department honors officers and crime analyst for life-saving actions and combating human trafficking, leading to federal charges.
- City of Crystal's General Fund balance jumped by 27.5% in 2025, exceeding financial plan targets and nearing the 40% policy threshold.
- Auditors flag a recurring 'lack of segregation of accounting duties' as an internal control finding in Crystal's 2025 financial report.
- Water Enterprise Fund operating expenses surged by $920,000 in 2025, largely due to increased wholesale water charges, prompting council inquiry.
- Citizen raises concerns about potential early voting restrictions hindering voter access for those traveling.
- Crystal City Council formally recognizes Juneteenth 2026, affirming commitment to a welcoming and inclusive community.
- City's tax rate increased to 58.5% in 2025, sparking discussion on the complex interplay of tax capacity, levy, and market trends.
Votes (2)
Approve the agenda.
Moved by Vanessa Rosen · Seconded by Unknown Council Member
Approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 (gambling funds update) pulled.
Moved by John · Seconded by Unknown Council Member
Notable Quotes (8)
I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.
I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.
If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.
Because of his work and diligence. A mother was reunited with her daughter and a Crips gang member involved in human trafficking is looking at a hefty federal prison sentence awaiting him.
I’m just making a comment that I may not be able to vote if I’m not around.
We did issue an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors.
We did note one internal control finding. They’re related to the lack of segregation of accounting duties. So that’s one you’ve seen in the past as well.
The city’s policy is to maintain unassigned fund balance for cash flow reserves equal to 40% of the general fund budget for the subsequent year.
People (17)
KaiserCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
Vanessa RosenCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call and made a motion to approve the agenda.
1 quote
Present at the meeting roll call and made a motion to approve the agenda.
“I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.”
Initiating the motion to approve the meeting's agenda.
ReshevskyCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
CummingsCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
DeshlerMayorAbsent from the meeting.
Absent from the meeting.
IBOCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
KhamisMayor Pro temPresiding over the meeting due to Mayor Deshler's absence.
Presiding over the meeting due to Mayor Deshler's absence.
HubbardChiefPresented police department awards and recognitions.
3 quotes
Presented police department awards and recognitions.
“I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.”
Opening the awards presentation to the council and public.
“If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.”
Highlighting the critical impact of the life-saving actions by Officers Blake and Clevenger.
“Because of his work and diligence. A mother was reunited with her daughter and a Crips gang member involved in human trafficking is looking at a hefty federal prison sentence awaiting him.”
Summarizing the significant positive outcomes of Crime Analyst Matt Hafner's investigation.
Frank D BlakeOfficerCompleted his probationary period and received a Life Saving Award.
Completed his probationary period and received a Life Saving Award.
Jeff ClevengerOfficerReceived a Life Saving Award; not present at the ceremony.
Received a Life Saving Award; not present at the ceremony.
Matt HafnerCrime AnalystReceived an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile.
Received an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile.
Daniel HeronAppointeeAppointed to the Sustainability Commission.
Appointed to the Sustainability Commission.
Alex WillardAppointeeAppointed to the Employee Review Board.
Appointed to the Employee Review Board.
BertCitizen SpeakerSpoke during Open Forum about early voting concerns.
1 quote
Spoke during Open Forum about early voting concerns.
“I do contemplate maybe some bucket list trips. And the reason I bring this up is with regard to early voting... I’m just making a comment that I may not be able to vote if I’m not around.”
Expressing concern about early voting policies affecting his ability to vote while traveling.
Aaron DahlAudit ManagerPresented the 2025 annual financial report for Bergen CDV.
3 quotes
Presented the 2025 annual financial report for Bergen CDV.
“We did issue an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors.”
Reporting the positive outcome of the 2025 financial audit.
“We did note one internal control finding. They’re related to the lack of segregation of accounting duties. So that’s one you’ve seen in the past as well.”
Highlighting a recurring internal control deficiency identified in the audit.
“The city’s policy is to maintain unassigned fund balance for cash flow reserves equal to 40% of the general fund budget for the subsequent year.”
Explaining the City's financial policy for maintaining its unassigned fund balance.
JohnMover of motionMade a motion to approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 pulled.
Made a motion to approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 pulled.
Gordon GrangerUnion GeneralAnnounced the General Order on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, related to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Announced the General Order on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, related to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (10)
- Meeting Call to Order (unspecified date)
- Police Department Awards Presentation (unspecified date)
- Officer Frank D Blake's Probation Completion: May 19th, 2025
- Life Saving Incident at Grandma's Place Apartments: May 28th, 2025
- Theft Incident at Cub Foods: September 25th, 2025
- City Council work session: May 14th, 2026
- City Council meeting: May 19th, 2026
- City Council work session: May 19th, 2026
- Resolution recognizing Juneteenth 2026 adopted: June 2nd, 2026
- 2025 Annual Financial Report Presentation (unspecified date)
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Recognizes June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Freedom Day in Crystal, acknowledging the history, contributions, and achievements of African Americans as part of American history. Adopted June 2, 2026.
Adoption of a resolution reporting on state performance measures.
Adoption of a resolution recognizing Flag Day in the city of Crystal.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Meeting Roll Call & Quorum Confirmation
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Meeting Agenda
Police Department Awards Presentation
Life Saving Award for Officers Blake and Clevenger
Award of Merit for Crime Analyst Matt Hafner (Human Trafficking Case)
Consent Agenda Review and Approval
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approval of Disbursements over $25,000
HRG Curbside Cleanup Financial Discussion
Approval of License Applications
Appointment to Sustainability Commission
Appointment to Employee Review Board
Resolution on State Performance Measures
Resolution Recognizing Flag Day
Resolution Recognizing Juneteenth 2026
Gambling Funds Update (pulled from consent agenda)
Open Forum for Citizen Concerns
Early Voting Options Discussion
2025 Annual Financial Report Presentation by Bergen CDV
Independent Auditor's Report (Unmodified Opinion)
Minnesota Legal Compliance Report Findings
Government Auditing Standards Report (Internal Control Finding)
General Fund Balance Analysis (Unassigned, Total)
Fund Balance as Percentage of Budget Policy (40%)
Budget to Actual Results for 2025 (Revenues & Expenditures)
General Fund Revenue Trends (Property Taxes, Intergovernmental, Licenses)
General Fund Expenditure Allocation (Public Safety, Parks & Rec)
Water Enterprise Fund Performance (Revenue, Expenses, Operating Income)
Sanitary Sewer Fund Performance
Storm Drainage Enterprise Fund Performance
Streetlights Utility Fund Performance
Per Capita Revenues and Expenditures Analysis
Tax Capacity, Certified Levy, and Tax Rate Analysis
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