At a March 15 retreat, the Edina City Council formally acknowledged two members of the police department who received awards at a public safety banquet earlier in the month.

Kimberly Tubbs, a record specialist who has worked for the department since 2012, was named the 2023 Public Safety Employee of the Year. Tubbs was recognized for leading the implementation of a new software system for the city's 911 dispatch center and records division, including training staff on the technology. She also provided support during staffing shortages in the records division and assisted the department following two homicides in 2020. A presenter noted that "Kim's dedication to the advancements of the department, her positive disposition and her willingness to help with any challenge presented demonstrates why she's deserving of the public safety employee of the year award."

Sergeant Darren Cesak, a 22-year veteran of the department, received the 2023 Mike Satari Officer of the Year Award. Cesak was honored for his actions during a 2023 shooting in Edina, when he used quick thinking while off duty to direct responding officers to the threat. He also took on oversight of the investigations division and completed 40 background checks for department hiring, work officials described as crucial for staffing.

"When you work with such talented individuals and to be singled as the officer of the year, I guess it's very humbling," Cesak said upon receiving the honor.

During the presentation, a speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing all public safety personnel, including those who work behind the scenes. "We try to get it where more people realize how important paramedics, firefighters, your police officers, but your dispatch people, all the ones that are working behind the scenes," the speaker said, adding that these employees "put their lives on the line for you and me in this community."