The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to support and honor the brave men and women who serve as first responders—today and into the future.

May is National First Responders’ Month, a time when many communities pause to recognize the critical role of emergency professionals—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and dispatchers. In recognition of their service, the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce bookended the month with two events to celebrate and support local first responders.

On April 30, the SouthWest Metro Chamber hosted its third annual First Responders Luncheon at the Chaska Event Center. This sold-out event brought together community members, civic leaders and emergency personnel to honor those who serve and to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The idea for the luncheon was inspired by the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce’s longstanding tradition. Steve Curtis, President of the SouthWest Metro Chamber, launched the event three years ago to ensure that first responders in the eastern Carver County area also receive the recognition they deserve.

Local bagpiper Larry Peitersen led the procession of Honor Guards from the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (MN LEMA) and the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association (MFFMA)—organizations dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers and firefighters. Leaders from both organizations shared stories of their work and led the audience in a moment of silence to honor those lost in the past year.

The Chaska High School Choir performed the national anthem and David Carlson, president of the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee, sharing how their community’s tradition of honoring first responders has inspired others across the state.

Steve Curtis and Alex Hoese (Security Bank & Trust Co.) co-chair this annual event. 

“People usually only connect with first responders during emergencies. They don’t always know who they are as people, or how much they do for our community. This event allows us to celebrate them and understand their impact,” Horse said. 

“I love this event because we get to honor seven local heroes, and our community comes together to hear their stories and show our appreciation,” Curtis added.

Each year, local departments nominate individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s honorees exemplify courage, compassion and a deep commitment to community:

• Detective Katherine Sandberg, Carver County Sheriff’s Office
  Recognized for her exceptional work identifying a serial offender who exploited minors for over a decade. Her investigation led to the discovery of more than 20 victims across Minnesota and the country.
• Firefighter Doug Elyea, Carver Fire Department
  Honored for over 10 years of dedicated service, marked by skill, reliability and a drive for continuous improvement that strengthens the entire department.
• Chaplain Steve Anderson, Chanhassen Fire Department
  Recognized for his compassionate support of both community members and first responders during traumatic incidents, as well as his ongoing commitment to training and emotional care.
• Captain DJ Kraus, Chaska Fire Department
  Celebrated for 12 years of service and leadership and mentoring the next generation of firefighters through his dedication and guidance.
• Officer Joe Kavlie, Chaska Police Department
  Honored for his behind-the-scenes leadership, sharp problem-solving and consistent commitment to improving the department.
• Dawn Lueth, Ridgeview EMS
  Recognized for her remarkable 35-year career as a dispatcher where her calm, steady leadership has helped save lives in thousands of emergencies.
• Rachel Dorff, Victoria Fire Department
  Honored for her professionalism, dedication and community-first mindset since joining the department as a Community Safety Officer in April 2024.

To close out May’s celebrations, the Chamber partnered with the Chaska Cubs for a community night of baseball and fun on Thursday, May 29, at Chaska Athletic Park. Proceeds from the event supported the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s First Responders Scholarship Fund.

Thanks to strong community support, both events raised $5,000 each for MN LEMA and MFFMA. The remaining proceeds were directed toward the Chamber’s First Responders Scholarship, which supports individuals from our local community who aspire to serve as first responders or pursue advanced training in the field.

For more information about the First Responders Scholarship or to apply, contact Steve Curtis at steve@swmetrochamber.com.

To learn more or get involved:

• Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association: https://mnlema.org
• Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association: https://mffma.org