Community Grand Marshal

2025 Community Grand Marshal

This year’s Community Grand Marshals are South St. Paul Police Officer Aaron Schmidt and Sgt Michael Dahl!

Hello South St. Paul,

I am Officer Aaron Schmidt and have been working as a patrol officer for the South St Paul Police Department since 2022. The City of South St Paul caught my attention following my first ride along. The community and department offer much more than a place to work. The time I have spent in South St Paul has been enjoyable, and I know much more is to come. With my current position as an officer, I believe I will continue to learn and help South St Paul in many ways. With that, I know the city and residents will allow our department to continue working alongside one another.

I have had the opportunity to attend Kaposia Days throughout my years as an officer. I enjoy the community aspect during this time to get together as one. I am excited to be a part of Kaposia Days and want to thank you all for the opportunity. As always if you see me out and about, stop by and say “Hello”. I look forward to the opportunity to represent South St. Paul as a Co-Grand Marshal with Sergeant Dahl.

I grew up in a small town in western Wisconsin which led me to find my own fun throughout the years. Outside of my work life, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and the outdoors.

Thank you again,
Officer Aaron Schmidt

 

Sgt. Michael Dahl

I began my law enforcement career in Southern Minnesota in 2014, where I was born and raised. Seeking to advance my career, I moved to South St. Paul in August 2015. I was drawn to the department’s strong sense of camaraderie and the “small town feel,” even though South St. Paul is five times the size of the community I grew up in.

Throughout my time here, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles across many day and night shifts. I’ve attended Kaposia Days every year since 2016 and look forward to it each year as the highlight of a full weekend of celebration and community spirit.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and working on projects around the house.

Thank you for your continued support of our department. I’m honored to represent the City of South St. Paul as Co-Grand Marshal alongside Officer Schmidt. I look forward to celebrating with all of you at this year’s festivities!

Congratulations Officer Schmidt and Sgt Dahl!

 

If you would like to nominate an organization or individual as the Kaposia Days Community Grand Marshal, please click here to complete the nomination form.

Past Honorees

1976 Al Smeby 

1977 Bernard (Bernie) Beadle 

1978 Venise Stassen 

1979 Elmer Larson 

1980 Philip Woog 

1981 Kathryn Crim 

1982

1983 Fred Jones

1984 Carl Bratten

1985 Michael Verderosa

1986 Harold LeVander, Sr.

1987 Bruce Baumann

1988 David Metzen

1989 Joseph & Gladys Schumacher 

1990 Don Willer 

1991 John Badalich Family

1992 Harold & Jeri Leonard  

1993 Gary & Karen Boche

1994 Carol & Dan Swenson

1995 Van Hoven Family

1996 Frank Pessek 

1997 South St. Paul Lions Club 

1998 Renee Jackson

1999 Bob Adams 

2000 Darrol Bussler 

2001 David Vujovich

2002 SSP Police & Fire Departments

2003 SSP Hockey Boosters 

2004 Dan Hingst

2005 Kaposia Days Past Presidents 

2006 Kyle Anderson 

2007 Julian Arnquist 

2008 Steve Mankowski

2009 Nancy Fish & Jerry Payne

2010 Rich Rakness 

2011 Walter Books

2012 Former SSP City Council Members

2013 South St. Paul Male Chorus

2014 VFW Post #295 & Auxiliaries

2015 Adam Carter

2016 Sen. James Metzen

2017 Bester Brothers