Four Lakeville Officers Awarded Medals of Merit for Heroic Actions in 2025 Incidents
Published: February 18, 2026
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - On February 10, 2026, the Lakeville Police Department recognized four of its officers with Medals of Merit for extraordinary service, leadership, and bravery displayed during two critical incidents in 2025: a deadly vehicle crash involving multiple fires and the apprehension of a homicide suspect tied to a fatal stabbing in Burnsville.
Officers Eric Anderson, Bennett Weestrand, and Shawn Fitzhenry were honored for their life-saving efforts during a fiery head-on crash on Cedar Avenue last October, while Officer Andy Schirmer was recognized for his role in locating and apprehending a murder suspect who had fled into Lakeville following a homicide in a neighboring city.
Heroic Rescue During Fiery Head-On Crash
The crash occurred at approximately 11:42 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, on Cedar Avenue (Dakota County Road 23), just south of 185th Street West in Lakeville.
According to previous reporting, officers arrived to find two heavily damaged sedans engulfed in flames following a head-on collision. Preliminary investigation indicated that a 2011 Jaguar XJ, driven by an 85-year-old Lakeville man, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided head-on with a 2022 Tesla Model 3 driven by a 44-year-old Farmington woman. Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
Both vehicles caught fire after the impact. One driver later died, and the other sustained life-threatening injuries.
Officer Eric Anderson
Officer Eric Anderson received a Medal of Merit for demonstrating decisive leadership during the chaotic and dangerous scene.
Alongside his trainee, Officer Bennett Weestrand, Anderson took immediate initiative to rescue an unconscious driver trapped inside one of the burning vehicles. Despite the rapidly spreading fire and significant risk to their own safety, the two officers physically removed the patient from the vehicle.
The department noted that Anderson’s leadership and commitment to preserving life were instrumental in the rescue. His actions reflect a calm command presence and a willingness to place himself in harm’s way to save another.
Officer Bennett Weestrand
Officer Bennett Weestrand, who was still in training at the time, also received a Medal of Merit for his role in the rescue.
Responding to a crash involving both vehicles actively burning, Weestrand worked side-by-side with his Field Training Officer to extract the unconscious driver. The department emphasized that his conduct, particularly while still in training, demonstrated decisive action, courage, and an unwavering dedication to preserving life.
For a probationary officer to perform under such extreme conditions underscores the high standards expected of Lakeville officers and the level of preparation and professionalism instilled early in their careers.
Officer Shawn Fitzhenry
Officer Shawn Fitzhenry was also awarded a Medal of Merit for his actions during the same crash.
While Anderson and Weestrand focused on one vehicle, Fitzhenry deployed a fire extinguisher to suppress flames on the second burning car, creating a critical window of access to reach a trapped victim. After knocking back the fire enough to approach safely, Fitzhenry extracted the individual and assisted with emergency medical care.
His quick thinking, situational awareness, and ability to operate under extreme pressure were credited with preventing further tragedy and allowing emergency responders to provide life-saving treatment.
The coordinated efforts of all three officers highlight the importance of teamwork during rapidly evolving emergencies, particularly incidents involving fire, entrapment, and serious traumatic injuries.
Apprehension of Homicide Suspect
Officer Andy Schirmer was separately awarded a Medal of Merit for his role in apprehending a homicide suspect connected to a fatal stabbing in Burnsville.
The case stemmed from a May 7, 2025, homicide in Burnsville in which a man was later charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Danielle Warren, the mother of his children, inside their townhome while two of their young children were present. Following the incident, the suspect fled Burnsville and entered Lakeville. Officer Schirmer located the suspect vehicle within Lakeville’s jurisdiction and took immediate action to apprehend the individual.
The department commended Schirmer’s swift response and willingness to assist a neighboring agency in capturing a dangerous suspect. His actions ensured the suspect was safely taken into custody and removed from the community without further incident.
Law enforcement agencies across Dakota County routinely assist one another in critical incidents, and Schirmer’s actions reflect that spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility for public safety.
Read More: Burnsville Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Mother of His Children
Officer Andy Schirmer
Commitment to Service and Community Safety
The Medal of Merit is awarded to officers whose actions go above and beyond normal duty, often involving significant personal risk or exceptional initiative.
In recognizing Officers Anderson, Weestrand, Fitzhenry, and Schirmer, the Lakeville Police Department highlighted not only individual acts of bravery but also the professionalism and teamwork that define the agency. From pulling an unconscious victim out of a burning car to tracking down and apprehending a homicide suspect, these officers demonstrated the core mission of law enforcement: to protect life, maintain order, and serve their community — even under the most dangerous and unpredictable circumstances.
Their actions on October 11 and May 7, 2025, serve as powerful reminders of the risks officers face daily and the dedication required to respond when lives are on the line.
Written by: Will Wight
