Lexington welcomes 2 new firefighters

LEXINGTON — Lexington Fire & Rescue is starting the year off by welcoming two new firefighters, Diego Rivera and John Jackson. The Quad was able to catch up with these two new members of the team and learn a little bit about them.

Diego Rivera

Q: What is your background in?

A: Recently, I just graduated high school back in June when I got my EMT senior year. I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter ever since I was little. Currently, I work for a company called Rescue Recourses that I enjoy very much and work as a Basic Life Support provider at Fairview.

Q: How long have you lived in the area, and do you have family here?

A: My family and I live in Mounds View, and we haven’t lived in the area for very long. That doesn’t mean we don’t know anyone around here, though. Very respectful neighborhood.

Q: What are some hobbies you enjoy?

A: I have quite a few. For one of my hobbies, I love to solve the Rubix cube just for fun and to help with my muscle memory. I also love to work on my vehicle or if my family wants me to build something, I’m the person to do it.

Police Reports

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• Police were called to the 30 block of Central Street in Circle Pines for a report of a theft on Jan. 11. A suspect was arrested.

• A n officer observed a vehicle in the ditch near the intersection of Restwood Road and Arona Avenue in Lexington on Jan. 11. An adult male driver was subsequently arrested for DWI.

• A n officer observed an equipment violation at Lake Drive and Griggs Avenue in Lexington on Jan. 12. The vehicle was stopped and searched, and one adult female was arrested for drug possession.

• O fficers located a vehicle parked in the 1900 block of Dupre Road in Centerville in violation of the parking ordinance on Jan. 12. The vehicle was towed. The officer also observed suspicious activity associated with the vehicle.

• A n officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Flowerfield Road in Circle Pines on Jan. 13. An adult male was subsequently

Q: Why is it important to you to serve as a firefighter in the community?

A: Working in EMS, I work with my coworkers very well. Fire has always been something I’ve wanted to do because I’m that adrenaline junkie that wants to put myself out there. I’m excited to get into this field and to expand my experience. Helping people is something I do, and it’s like an addiction to me. If I don’t work a shift at arrested for first-degree possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

• O fficers responded to the 3900 block of Restwood Road in Lexington for a fraud report on Jan. 13. The case is currently active.

• O fficers responded to the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington Jan. 15 for a report of shoplifting. There is no suspect information at this time.

• A n officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Centerville Road and Dupre Road on Jan. 15. An adult male was subsequently arrested for suspicion of DWI.

• A n officer was called to a business on South Pine Drive in Circle Pines Jan. 15 for a fraud report. The caller turned over a $100 counterfeit bill that the business had taken in over the weekend. There is no suspect information at this time.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

• A n officer stopped a vehicle for a signal violation and unsafe driving conduct in the area of Main Street and I-35E on Jan. 10. The adult male

Fairview, I pick up overtime or I swap shifts and I love it.

John Jackson

Q: What is your background in?

A: Seven years as a medic in the U.S. Army. Fire apparatus manufacturing.

Q: How long have you lived in the area, and do you have family here?

A: I have lived in the area for eight years. My wife is from the area, which brought me here, so I have quite the extended family now.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I enjoy classic cars and the community that surrounds it.

Q: Why is it important to you to serve as a firefighter in the community?

A: I truly enjoy having the ability and opportunity to give back to a community that has allowed me to plant my roots and grow, with the skill set I had prior to moving up here and past experiences. I look forward to community service and the camaraderie. I’m excited for the professional and personal growth working with the department.

driver was arrested for DWI and later booked in jail for third-degree DWI and alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.

O fficers responded to a delayed report of theft in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Jan. 10. The investigation is ongoing.

• A n officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 7500 block of Lake Drive Jan. 10. The adult male driver was subsequently arrested for fourth-degree DWI. The male was later cited and released to a sober party.

• O fficers received a call of a possible impaired driver in the area of Lake Drive and Main Street on Jan. 11. The officers located the vehicle and subsequently arrested the adult female driver for DWI. The female later tested 0.15 blood alcohol concentration and was charged with fourth-degree DWI and alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours.

• A n officer responded to a report of a gas drive-off in the 7000 block of 21st Avenue South. The incident was documented and is being investigated.

• A n officer conducted a traffic stop at I-35E and Main Street Jan. 13 and an adult male driver was arrested for driving after cancellation inimical to public safety. He was booked at jail.

• O fficers responded to a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence in the 2300 block of 65th Street Jan. 13. The investigation is ongoing.

• O fficers assisted the Minnesota State Patrol with a multivehicle personal injury accident at I-35E and Main Street Jan. 14. The injured parties received care and the vehicles were towed from the scene.

• A n officer assisted another law enforcement agency on a traffic stop in the 7000 block of Cottonwood Court Jan. 15. The stop resulted in the arrest of an adult male.

• O fficers responded to a report of an assault that took place at a nonsecure facility involving two juveniles Jan. 15. One of the juveniles will be charged through the Anoka County Attorney’s Office.