Press Releases

Edina Police Sergeant receives lifetime achievement award 

Edina, Minn., May 1, 2011– Edina Police Sgt. Brian Tholen was presented an Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual Special Operations Training Association (SOTA) Tactical Training Conference in St. Cloud, Minn., on April 18.

Tholen was nominated by his peers to receive the distinguished award for his diligence, perseverance and devotion to duty and work for the Edina SWAT team.

“He did a lot of great things for our team,” said Lt. Jeff Elasky, who also serves as Commander of the Edina SWAT team. “He put his heart into our team. I can’t think of someone who is more deserving of this award than Brian. From the day he started until the day he retired [from the SWAT team], he had passion. I think our team is better now than it was when I first started, because of all his hard work.”

Tholen was on the SWAT team for 13 years, the last six of which he served as one of two team leaders. He responded to 60 SWAT calls, one of which included directing the SWAT team during the 2008 Republican National Convention protests to provide protection to the visiting dignitaries.

Tholen said he was humbled and appreciative of his fellow officers’ nomination.

“There are other leaders within this department who are worthy or more worthy to receive the award than I am, but I’m excited to receive it and very thankful,” said Tholen.

In February, Tholen stepped down from the SWAT team to give emerging leaders the opportunity to step in. “We’ve had a flawless track record and I know the new team leadership will carry on the same expectations I had for those six years as a team leader,” he said.

Formed in 1986, the Edina SWAT team consists of 10 police officers and four paramedics who respond to high risk situations when additional service is needed. For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Police.