COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT / EVENTS
Coming in February:
Cops vs. Kids Basketball Event
Thursday, February 19, 6:30PM
St. Anthony High School Gym
ECFE Storytime with Fire and Public Works Department
Curiosity, smiles, and hands-on learning as our young learners discovered how our City teams protect and support the community.
This past fall, Deputy Chief Mattie Jaros and Public Works Director Jeremy Gumke took sometime to read to our ECFE youngsters and their families and share fire and snowplow safety. The story times included a tour of our facilities and the opportunity to touch a truck and see the inside of our Firetrucks and Snowplows.
PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS
Recruiting for the Future
Our Police Department has seen success in recruiting talented officers. Through creative strategies like hiring incentives, professional networking, and emphasizing our positive department culture, we’ve grown from 17 officers to 25 currently, and are planning for 29 by Summer. Many of our newer officers joined from other cities, drawn by the supportive and community-oriented environment that Saint Anthony Village provides. In addition, our strong Cadet program offers part-time employment and attracts students who train and contribute as they work toward their law enforcement degrees.
Our Fire Department is also planning ahead. In 2026, the department has begun outreach to hire additional Firefighters/Paramedics to meet call volume demands and help avoid burnout of staff in a small department.
Be Wise this Winter - Prevent Theft
If you warm up your vehicle at the start of a cold day, we hope you’re doing so wisely. If you’re equipped with a remote start, that’s ideal. If not, leaving your vehicle unattended with the engine running exposes you to your car being stolen, and maybe a long cold walk to work or home. While inconvenient, remaining with your vehicle while it warms up can deter would-be thieves seeking an easy opportunity. Sitting in a cold car as it warms up is somehow not as cold as standing outside in the cold waiting for the police to arrive, wondering who has your car and what they’re doing with it.
Thefts like this occur every winter and it’s preventable. Leaving your vehicle running unattended with the key in the ignition is also against Saint Anthony Village City ordinance. This ordinance (70.06) requires “every person parking a motor vehicle in an unattended parking area or on a public street or alley shall lock the ignition and remove the key.” Even running into the gas station or grocery store to quickly pick up an item while your running car sits outside waiting to be stolen is risky. Yet, we see it every winter. It takes only a few seconds to drive off in your already running vehicle. Take simple steps to protect yourself, your family and your property, and you should have less worries. Winter already provides us with enough to contend with – stay vigilant, stay safe, and stay warm.
Follow Parking Restrictions during Snow Events
Our Public Works crews work hard to clear snow from city streets to allow safe passage of traffic and access to emergency vehicles. You are part of the solution to allow quick clearing of snow when you move your vehicle off the street and park in a driveway or open parking lot. City Code §71.36 prohibits parking of a vehicle on any city street for a period of 48 hours, “commencing immediately after 2 inches of snowfall, or until snow removal has been completed curb to curb.” Please share this information with guests and visitors staying with you to allow them to avoid being plowed around, ticketed or towed.
REMEMBER - If you need to report a crime or suspicious activity, please call 911.
Planning Vacation? Make a House Watch Request:
When going out of town, Saint Anthony Village Police Officers will check on your home. Fill out out our House Watch Request Information, and info will be forwarded to our patrol officers.
Tips: While you are gone, arrange for someone to pick up your newspaper/mail or have it held at the post office. During winter months have someone shovel while you are gone.
LINK TO REQUEST FORM
Learn Hands-Only CPR for FREE!
Contact our Fire Department, 612-782-3408 or email Deputy Fire Chief, Mattie Jaros (mattie.jaros@savmn.com)
Fire Safety - Close Before You Doze!
When a fire breaks out, a closed door can slow the spread of flames, smoke, and deadly gases; giving you and your family valuable time to wake up, call 911, and safely escape. Studies have shown that temperatures can stay hundreds of degrees cooler on the other side of a closed door – and the air inside the room remains much more breathable. As we head into colder months, when space heaters, candles, and fireplaces are used more often, remember this easy but critical safety step before going to bed: Close your door before you doze.
For parents with young children who may not yet feel comfortable sleeping with their door fully closed, there are ways to ease into the habit. Try using a night light, baby monitor, or other comforting device to help them feel secure. You can even make it a fun nightly game – place a small piece of painter’s tape on the floor to mark how far the door is closed, and each night have your child move the door a little closer to shut until they’re comfortable sleeping with it completely closed.
Night-time Fire Safety Tips
- Check your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year
- Sleep with your phone nearby so you can quickly call 911 if needed
- Keep exits clear – avoid blocking windows or doors with furniture or holiday decorations
- Practice your home escape plan with everyone in your household, including what to do if a fire starts while you're asleep.
Adopt a Fire Hydrant
Be a Village Hero! Help keep a fire hydrant clear of snow this winter and save valuable time for our firefighters in an emergency.
STAFF UPDATES
Welcome new St. Anthony Police Officer Gaelan Smith
Gaelan first joined the department as a Cadet in 2023, gaining valuable hands-on experience while completing his education. He earned his degree in Law Enforcement with a minor in Leadership from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. During his studies, Gaelan served in our Cadet program; demonstrating strong dedication to public service. Before joining St. Anthony PD full-time, he also worked with the Minneapolis Park Police, further developing his skills in community policing and public safety. Please join us in welcoming Officer Smith to the St. Anthony Police Department team!
CONNECT WITH US!
Facebook: @St. Anthony Police
Instagram: @stanthonypolice
Facebook: @St. Anthony Village Fire Department
Instagram: @stanthonyfire