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