2023 Police Officer of the Year: Darin Cizek
The City of Edina takes pride in its tremendous Police force, and its diligent work to uphold the core values of integrity, quality and service to our community.
In March, Sgt. Darin Cizek was presented the 2023 Mike Siitari Officer of the Year Award at the Edina Crime Prevention Fund’s Public Safety Banquet. Cizek, who has been with the Department for 21 years, was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty on the job, and became the 14th officer in Crime Prevention Fund history to be honored with the award.
Cizek began his career with Edina Police in March 2003. In two decades with the City, Cizek has worked on the Drug Task Force, traffic unit, and in the Investigations Division. He has also served as a Motor Officer, Field Training Officer and SWAT Operator and Sniper.
Cizek was promoted to Sergeant in July of 2020 and currently assists in overseeing the Investigative Division.
“I really enjoy the work in law enforcement,” said Cizek. “It's something new every day, and I don't have the personality to do repetitive motion stuff for employment.”
“Over the course of his career with the City, Cizek has demonstrated numerous examples of leadership, service and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of his partners and citizens of Edina,” said Police Chief Todd Milburn during the award presentation.
Despite contributing so much over the years to the Department, winning the award was a humbling experience for the Edina Police veteran, who quickly acknowledged his coworkers’ achievements before his own.
“I think about the 60 other people in the Department that I work with and all the great work I see every day,” Cizek said.
Although Cizek reiterated that policing takes a great team to operate effectively, his exceptional performance and valor were particularly evident in 2023 during two critical incidents at the Southdale Center.
On Jan. 9, 2023, while working off-duty at the Apple Store, a shooting occurred within the mall. Using his police instincts, Cizek calmly locked down the store to protect customers and ran toward the danger to offer whatever help he could.
Similarly, on April 5, 2023, another shooting incident took place at the mall. He again locked down the Apple Store and mall while running toward the gunshot to investigate the situation and stop the threat. In both cases, no injuries to shoppers were reported and the perpetrators were caught.
“Sergeant Cizek’s tactics and calm demeanor, along with his ability to coordinate resources and manage the scenes, were exemplary examples of his tactical and leadership abilities,” said Sgt. Anna Eckstein, who nominated Cizek for the award.
On top of being a courageous leader both inside and outside of the Department, Cizek has dedicated much of his time to various community outreach programs, namely Cornerstone, an organization that supports domestic abuse victims and as a mental health liaison for the Police Department.
In his current role supervising the Investigative Division, Cizek oversaw 40 background checks for various positions within the department, ensuring the best person for each job is selected. “Sergeant Cizek’s distinguished conduct during times of crisis, alongside his diligent work in administrative task roles sets him apart as truly deserving of this distinguished award,” Milburn said.
The award was presented at the Public Safety Recognition banquet March 2 in front of his peers and again April 2 at a meeting of the Edina City Council.