Lepier honors life-saving responders; proclaims Arbor Day and recognizes retiring sergeant

The Lepier City Commission on April 20 recognized six people — two registered nurses, city employees, a conservation officer and a police officer — who worked together on Feb. 2 to save an unresponsive woman at the Leier City Recreation Center.

Parks Director Rodney Church introduced the group, saying the incident at about 10:38 a.m. involved rapid use of CPR and an automated external defibrillator. Church named RN Karen Buchanan and RN Brienne Weards, city employee Lorie Kovc, DNR conservation officer Jamie Salisbury and Officer Trevor Johnson (unable to attend) for their roles; the commission presented certificates of recognition. “Their quick thinking, training and teamwork directly resulted in saving a life,” Church said.

The recognition preceded proclamations. The commission read and adopted a proclamation honoring Sergeant Jason Miner, who the proclamation says began his career with the Lepier Police Department on April 9, 2001 and will retire April 28 after 25 years of service. Chief Pow described Miner’s undercover narcotics work and a 2025 bravery award for rescuing vehicle occupants from an overturned submerged car; the commission adopted the proclamation by motion.

The commission also adopted the 2026 Arbor Day proclamation, declaring Thursday, April 23, 2026, Arbor Day in Lepier and urging residents to plant trees and support tree-protection efforts.

Next steps: The recognized responders received certificates and the city will mark Arbor Day with the activities outlined in the proclamation.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 020; topfinish SEG 1154.