RIVER FALLS — River Falls Police Officer Alex Sather and River Falls Fire Captain Chad Zess were named the city’s officer and firefighter of the year for 2025 at the March 24 City Council meeting.

River Falls Police and Fire Commission President Lenny Austin presented the awards, starting with Police Officer of the Year. While the Firefighter of the Year award has been given out in the past, it was the first time the city has given an Officer of the Year award.

“The award will be given to an officer whose service, character and commitment truly represent the very best of the River Falls Police Department,” Austin said. “In just a few short years, he has built a reputation not only as a skilled and dependable law enforcement professional, but as a leader among his peers.”

Sather joined the department as a full-time patrol officer back in 2021. He now serves as a field training officer and is on bike patrol and the Law Enforcement Honor Guard.

“What truly sets Officer Sather apart, however, is his upbeat attitude and natural ability to connect with people,” Austin said. “Policing is more than responding to calls. It’s about building trust, and Officer Sather has a gift for doing just that. He is a reliable teammate who boosts morale, supports his fellow officers and approaches every interaction with professionalism and compassion. Whether he’s mentoring a recruit or speaking with a resident during a difficult moment, he brings steady confidence and calm reassurance.”

Austin highlighted some of Sather’s work that impacted the community, including responding to a call about a suicidal person, safely assisting them to EMS care, speaking on the phone to an armed suspect during a high-speed pursuit in which he convinced them to pull over safely and discovering inconsistent paperwork in a gun theft case that allowed him to find out the gun was sold to an illegal felon and the theft complaint was filed to cover it up.

“The example he sets today will shape the culture and professionalism of our department for years to come,” Austin said. “Officer Sather’s commitment, leadership, compassion and service make him an exceptional choice for the award.”

Zess was commended by Austin for his calm leadership. He plays a key role in training fellow firefighters, has played a key role in the Fire Department renovation project and is key in securing department resources.

“This individual has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of his crew and the River Falls Fire Department as a whole,” Austin said. “Since promoting to captain, he has demonstrated strong leadership, accountability and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Austin said Zess is one of the best in the field in terms of training due to the way he carries himself.

“His calm leadership on the fire ground positively impacts both safety and performance,” Austin said.

Zess has been a key player in the Fire Station remodel work, ensuring both the best for the future of the department and keeping the station operational around the construction.

“His construction knowledge and leadership during user group sessions have helped ensure our operational needs are reflected in a facility that will serve this community for many years to come,” Austin said. “His dedication, professionalism and selfless service truly embody the values of the River Falls Fire Department.”

Public comment

During the public comment period, Alderperson Jeff Bjork spoke about his and Alderperson Scott Morrissette’s tenures on City Council coming to an end as they are not running for reelection during the April vote.

“The council is really going to miss Mr. Morrissette and his direction and thoughts,” Bjork said. “We have a great city staff here, and I want to give some special thanks to a few individuals, Amy White and Kevin Westhuis for being another one. Just great community leaders… Finally, I’d like to say thank you to [Police Chief Gordon] Young and [City Administrator] Scot Simpson for their unbiased approach to helping our city.”

Bjork said it is frustrating to hear people say things are being done behind closed doors considering how committed the city staff is to helping residents.

Dana Linscott of the River Falls Alliance for the Homeless said the city has historically treated homeless people in the community well, citing a time when the police station would allow people who came off the train to stay inside during bad weather.

“In bad weather, they could stay in the local police station lobby,” Linscott said. “Many years later, there was public housing that was built with the help of city administration and local investors. This is, of course, something that I think it’s time to do again since there is a national housing crisis.”

He said the city needs to take every measure possible to ensure affordable housing, because the housing availability issues in the United States are not caused by the nation, but by each small community that has turned down an opportunity.

William Hansen asked council to push back against any efforts to remove the Junction Falls dam and hydro generator.

“Consider that the cost to destroy Junction Falls dam and hydro generator should be paid by the group that requests this change. Our local electric utility customers, state and federal taxpayers should not be expected to pay this bill,” Hansen said. “Ask yourselves if destroying the Junction Falls dam and hydro is the best use of over $24 million electric utility and taxpayer dollars.”

Mei Mei Abdouch requested council review the process for having council members on advisory boards.

“The advisory boards are to advise the council on what they feel the best route for what is presented to each advisory board,” Abdouch said. “When a council member is given a voice on that board, they are allowed to influence that decision, and then they are given a vote on that board and then again a vote on council.”

Abdouch said while it is wise to have a council member present for factual context, anything more gives them a say on multiple boards over the same topics. Abdouch also asked council to create an ordinance that restricts data centers being built within city limits.

Tonya Schmitt asked the city to bring back the ballot dropbox system in the city for election cycles.
“It’s a wonderful, safe and secure way to increase voter accessibility,” Schmitt said.

Other business

• Adopted a special event policy to formalize the process of requests for events within city limits.
• After a closed session, council reconvened to disallow a legal claim made against the city.
• Awarded contracts for lawn care services and library building humidification/HVAC upgrades.