Last Wednesday, EPPD Lt. Jess Irmiter received a surprise award at a conference on first responder peer support hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) and the Public Safety Peer Support Advisory Board (PSAB).

Lt. Irmiter has been an integral part of the PSAB since its inception in 2020.

Below is an excerpt from the award presentation:

“In the ever-challenging world of public safety, building a culture of wellness—especially for first responders—is not just an initiative; it’s a mission. For Lt. Jess Irmiter, that mission has become a defining part of his professional story. With a career deeply rooted in frontline service, Lt. Irmiter brings both operational experience and a long-standing commitment to responder mental health and wellness.

The Public Safety Peer Support Advisory Board (PSAB) was established in 2020 under the leadership of Lt. Irmiter with the mission to provide guidance on statewide peer-support training requirements, policy development, program awareness and the creation of standardized curricula for public-safety agencies.

In 2021, the PSAB was brought under the LMCIT umbrella and today, this joint organization continues to advance statewide standards for peer-support programming—bridging law enforcement, fire service and EMS to enhance wellness across all areas of public safety.

Under Lt. Irmiter’s leadership, the PSAB established comprehensive guidelines for peer support team development, standardized training curricula, and resource frameworks that now guide departments across Minnesota’s emergency service professions.

Lt. Irmiter’s role as president on the PSAB, combined with his partnership with LMCIT, places him at the heart of Minnesota’s public-safety wellness movement—shaping culture, peer-support systems and sustainable program infrastructure within agencies.

Lt. Irmiter’s contributions reflect a sustained and heartfelt commitment to improving how Minnesota’s first responders are supported, cared for and empowered—a legacy that continues to inspire wellness efforts across the state.”

Congratulations Lt. Irmiter! We’re proud of the work you have done for the health and wellness of Eden Prairie first responders and first responders across Minnesota.

Photo: Lt. Jess Irmiter, second from right, with members of the PSAB