Students and staff were evacuated from Wayzata West Middle School Thursday morning after an electrical fire broke out in a first-floor bathroom.
No students or staff members were injured in the Sept. 17 fire at the school, 149 Barry Ave. N. Two adults were evaluated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation and released by North Memorial Health paramedics.
According to the City of Wayzata, a Wayzata Police Department school resource officer notified Hennepin County Dispatch of the fire at approximately 9:40 a.m.
Wayzata police and firefighters responded, and the school was evacuated while crews dealt with the fire.
The Hennepin County Fire Investigation Team later determined that the fire began in the ceiling and was electrical in origin. Investigators found no indication of suspicious or criminal activity.
Wayzata firefighters were assisted by the Plymouth, Shoreline and West Suburban fire departments, along with the Plymouth Police Department and other emergency personnel.
Tuesday marks the ninth anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Wayzata Police Officer William “Bill” Mathews.
Officer Bill Mathews. File photo.
Mathews was killed Sept. 8, 2017, after being struck by an impaired and distracted driver while responding to a 911 call to remove debris from Highway 12.
Wayzata Police Memorial image courtesy Wayzata Police Department Facebook page.
Mathews is remembered at the Wayzata Police Memorial outside City Hall, along with Sgt. James W. Anderson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1982.
The Wayzata Fire Department has placed a new 2026 Pierce Ascendant 110-foot ladder truck into service, replacing a ladder truck that had served the department for approximately 30 years.
The new apparatus brings greater reach, increased water capacity and improved maneuverability for firefighters responding throughout Wayzata.
Despite having a longer ladder, the Pierce has a shorter overall vehicle length than the truck it replaces. Its single rear axle also provides greater maneuverability — an important consideration on Wayzata’s hills, narrow streets and tighter locations.
The truck is designed to be quicker and easier to position and set up at a fire scene. It carries 500 gallons of water, compared with 200 gallons on the department’s previous ladder truck, and has pumping capacity of up to 1,500 gallons per minute, compared with 1,250 gallons per minute on the previous apparatus.
Traditional Push-In Ceremony Marks Start of Service
Members of the Wayzata Fire Department and Wayzata City Council marked the truck’s arrival with a traditional push-in ceremony on the evening of Sept. 1.
During the ceremony, firefighters and City Council members joined together to push the new ladder truck into the fire station, formally marking the beginning of its service in Wayzata.
Push-in ceremonies are a longstanding fire service tradition associated with the days of horse-drawn firefighting equipment, when firefighters would manually push apparatus back into the station after returning from a call.
Residents Can See New Truck This Fall
Residents will have two upcoming opportunities to get a closer look at the new ladder truck and learn more about the equipment.
The Wayzata Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The truck will also be featured during the City of Wayzata’s annual City Showcase, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5.
The new ladder truck represents a significant update to one of the department’s most important pieces of emergency equipment and is expected to serve Wayzata firefighters and residents for years to come.
Sgt. James W. “J.W.” Anderson was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on Aug. 31, 1982 — his 36th birthday.
The Wayzata Police Department is remembering Sgt. James W. “J.W.” Anderson on Monday, Aug. 31, marking 44 years since he was killed in the line of duty while protecting the Wayzata community.
Anderson was responding to a domestic disturbance on Aug. 31, 1982 — his 36th birthday — when he was shot and killed. His death became one of the darkest moments in Wayzata’s history and marked the first line-of-duty death of a Wayzata police officer. (Wayzata.com)
“Today, the Wayzata Police Department remembers Sergeant James J.W. Anderson, who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a domestic disturbance on his 36th birthday, August 31st, 1982,” the department said in its remembrance.
“His bravery and dedication to protecting others remain an enduring part of the Wayzata Police Department’s history.”
Anderson had served in law enforcement for 13 years. He began his career as a Hennepin County sheriff’s deputy in 1967, joined the Minnetonka Police Department in 1969 and came to Wayzata in 1981. He later became the first officer in Wayzata Police Department history to earn promotion to sergeant through a competitive process.
The events of Aug. 31, 1982, brought hundreds of law enforcement officers to Wayzata and left a lasting mark on the department and community.
Today, Anderson is memorialized outside Wayzata City Hall alongside Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews, who was killed in the line of duty in 2017. The memorial stands as a permanent reminder of the officers who gave their lives serving the community.
“On this anniversary of his sacrifice, and on his birthday, we honor his service, remember his courage, and recognize the lives he helped protect,” the Police Department said.
The department concluded its remembrance simply:
“44 years later, his sacrifice still matters.
His service is still remembered.
His legacy lives on.”
Remembering J.W. Anderson
Last year, Wayzata.com published an extensive account of Anderson’s life, the events of Aug. 31, 1982, and the lasting impact his death had on fellow officers and the Wayzata community.
Kevin Klapprich speaking at the City Council. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
The Wayzata City Council marked a milestone in the city’s public-safety history Tuesday, Aug. 5, formally swearing in Kevin Klapprich as Wayzata’s first full-time fire chief and recognizing him with a Lifesaving Award.
Klapprich officially began serving in the full-time position June 29, following 47 years with the Wayzata Fire Department and approximately 20 years as chief.
The appointment represents a significant investment in the department and the community while continuing a multigenerational tradition of fire service within the Klapprich family. His father, Paul Klapprich, served for many years as Wayzata’s fire chief, and his brothers have also served with the department.
Paul Klapprich joined his son at the ceremony and pinned the fire chief’s badge following the oath of office.
Council members recognized the sacrifices made not only by Klapprich, but also by his family and the families of Wayzata’s paid-on-call firefighters. They praised the department’s longstanding presence at emergencies, civic gatherings and neighborhood events, describing its members as some of the most visible representatives of the community.
The ceremony adds another chapter to a department whose modern organization dates to 1921 and whose service has long depended upon local residents willing to answer calls at every hour.
Chief Honored for June 4 Rescue
Before Klapprich addressed the council, the city presented him with a Lifesaving Award for his response to a June 4 appliance fire at 190 Wayzata Boulevard East.
Klapprich was the first firefighter to arrive and found a stove fire spreading up the back wall and into the cupboards. A Wayzata police officer identified as Officer Davidson arrived shortly afterward, and the two used fire extinguishers to slow the flames until additional firefighters and equipment reached the building.
During the response, Klapprich heard a resident on an upper floor while heavy smoke was filling the building. He entered the structure, helped the resident down the stairs and brought the person safely outside.
The resident was transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation and later recovered. City officials said Klapprich’s swift response saved the resident’s life.
“I Didn’t Get Here Alone”
Klapprich thanked his family, current and former Wayzata firefighters, city staff, elected officials, residents, businesses and fellow firefighters from throughout the region.
He reflected on the holidays and family gatherings interrupted through the years when he and other family members left the table to answer emergency calls.
“I look forward to serving the city with fairness, kindness, and humility,” Klapprich said.
He credited the many people who supported him throughout his career and helped prepare him for the department’s new chapter.
“I am here because of an army of people who did an awful lot for me along the way,” Klapprich said. “I didn’t get here alone.”
He concluded by describing the opportunity as an honor and saying he was deeply humbled by the confidence placed in him.
The council then recessed briefly as Klapprich, his family, firefighters and city officials gathered for photographs—commemorating both a personal achievement and a historic moment for the Wayzata Fire Department.
The Wayzata Police Department’s June activity report reflects a busy start to summer, with officers responding to traffic complaints, medical calls, juvenile incidents, property damage crashes, fraud reports and several arrests across Wayzata and Long Lake.
One of the month’s most significant incidents occurred June 24 near Wayzata Boulevard and Bushaway Road, where a driver allegedly fled from officers during an attempted traffic stop.
According to the report, the vehicle spun out and the driver continued fleeing on foot. Officers from multiple agencies conducted an extensive search but were unable to locate the driver. Police determined that the vehicle had been stolen in St. Louis Park and impounded it for processing. The incident remains under investigation.
On June 30, officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an e-bike at Highway 12 and Central Avenue. The juvenile received aid at the scene before being transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Police noted that the juvenile was wearing a helmet. The driver cooperated with investigators and was not believed to be impaired.
Earlier in the month, an appliance fire damaged an apartment unit in the 100 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. Multiple fire departments responded June 4 and extinguished the fire. One person was transported for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Traffic Enforcement and Arrests
Wayzata police issued 283 traffic citations during June, along with 169 verbal warnings and 47 written warnings — a total of 499 citations and warnings.
A 22-year-old Bloomington man was arrested June 6 near Highway 12 and Central Avenue on suspicion of fourth-degree DWI. Police reported a blood-alcohol concentration of .09. He was booked at the Wayzata Police Department and released to a responsible party.
Two additional motorists were arrested during the month for driving after cancellation deemed inimical to public safety. In both cases, automated license-plate reader notifications alerted officers to the registered drivers’ license status.
Officers also responded to reports of drag racing, loud motorcycles, exhibition driving, vehicles going around barricades and juvenile e-bike riders operating in the roadway.
On June 23, police located four juveniles riding off-road motorcycles near Lake Street and Manitoba Avenue after receiving a complaint about riders popping wheelies. Parents were contacted and warned about the alleged equipment and licensing violations.
Juvenile and Trespassing Complaints
Trespassing was a recurring issue during June, including several reports involving juveniles entering an abandoned building along Wayzata Boulevard.
Four juvenile males were identified following a June 9 trespassing complaint on private property in the 200 block of East Lake Street. The case was referred to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
On June 28, police reported finding 11 males, ranging in age from 13 to 19, trespassing in the 100 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. Parents were contacted.
Officers also confiscated and destroyed an Orbeez-style toy gun after locating juveniles near Lake Street and Manitoba Avenue on June 13. Another complaint involving juveniles with Orbeez guns was reported June 29 in Long Lake, although the group was gone before officers arrived.
Theft, Fraud and Property Complaints
June reports included a fraudulent AT&T account opened with an iPhone purchased in a victim’s name, unauthorized Amazon and PayPal transactions and an alleged $152 debit-card purchase possibly made by a roommate.
Police also received a report of $900 in cash stolen from a vehicle parked in the 600 block of East Wayzata Boulevard. The case was listed as inactive pending additional investigative leads.
Other property reports included slashed tires valued at approximately $1,500, a vehicle keyed on both sides and damaged residential window screens.
At the Wayzata Bar & Grill, officers responded June 30 to a report involving an intoxicated customer with two unpaid tabs. The individual was evaluated, issued a trespass notice and advised to pay the outstanding amount to avoid possible theft charges.
June Activity Totals
The department’s statistical summary included 62 medical calls, 53 assists to other departments, 36 public-assistance calls and 31 property-damage motor vehicle crashes.
Police also recorded 31 driving or traffic complaints, 23 parking complaints, 23 animal complaints, 20 house or business checks, 15 business alarms and 15 home alarms during the month.
The report’s criminal summary included two domestic assault cases, two fourth-degree DWI offenses, a domestic abuse no-contact order violation, two property damage offenses, trespassing, possession of stolen property, theft and two financial transaction card fraud cases.
In anticipation of the Fourth of July, the Wayzata Police Department is reminding parents and young riders to use extra care when riding e-bikes and e-scooters around town.
The reminder follows a June 30 crash at Central Avenue and Highway 12 involving a vehicle and a juvenile riding an e-bike, according to a press release. Police said the juvenile was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was wearing a helmet.
The crash remains under investigation.
Police are encouraging riders to slow down near intersections, driveways, trails, and pedestrians. Riders should never assume drivers see them and should travel at speeds that allow them to stop safely.
The department also reminded parents that some e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour. At those speeds, a fall or crash can lead to serious injury.
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about where they may ride, who they may ride with, and how to follow traffic rules. Police also recommend riding with children to help teach safe habits.
The message is simple: wear a helmet, slow down, watch for traffic, and treat e-bikes and e-scooters like vehicles—not toys.
The City of Wayzata and the Wayzata Fire Department have announced the appointment of Kevin Klapprich as Wayzata’s first full-time fire chief, effective June 29, 2026.
Klapprich has served with the Wayzata Fire Department since 1978 and has been fire chief since 2006. His move into the newly created full-time position marks a significant milestone for the department and reflects the expanding responsibilities of the role in serving Wayzata and the surrounding community.
“Chief Klapprich has exemplified dedication, integrity, and care for our community throughout his years of service,” said City Manager Aurora Yager. “His steady commitment made this an easy decision. We are thrilled to congratulate him on becoming our first full-time Fire Chief and look forward to the continued leadership he will bring to Wayzata and Woodland.”
For Klapprich, the appointment continues a lifetime of service rooted deeply in Wayzata.
“I am honored and humbled to be appointed the City’s first full-time Fire Chief. It is a privilege to continue leading the dedicated firefighters who give so much to this community,” said Chief Klapprich. “Wayzata has always been my home, and serving alongside generations of firefighters — including my father and brothers — has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I look forward to building on the department’s proud tradition of service, strengthening our partnerships throughout the community, and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional emergency response for the residents, businesses, and visitors of the community.”
The appointment recognizes both Klapprich’s long record of service and the evolving demands placed on the department. After nearly five decades with the Wayzata Fire Department, including 20 years as chief, Klapprich now steps into a full-time leadership role at a moment when emergency response, training, planning, equipment, inspections, and community partnerships continue to grow in importance.
The Wayzata Police Department responded to a wide range of calls throughout December, including traffic enforcement, thefts, disturbances, and several arrests related to impaired driving, according to the department’s December 2025 Activity Report.
Police investigated multiple thefts from vehicles and garages, primarily involving overnight incidents in Wayzata and Long Lake. Items reported stolen included knives, loose change, sunglasses, wallets, and credit cards. Several cases involved unlocked vehicles, while others occurred despite vehicles being locked. Officers also investigated residential garage burglaries on Brown Road in Long Lake and a fourth-degree commercial burglary at an abandoned building on East Lake Street in Wayzata, where property damage was reported. Most of these cases remain under investigation.
Fraud and Scams
December saw continued reports of financial fraud, including credit card fraud, cloned cards, spoofed text messages, and scams impersonating technology support. In several cases, fraudulent charges were identified and canceled, with investigations ongoing to determine jurisdiction and loss amounts.
Traffic Enforcement and DWIs
Wayzata police made several arrests for driving while impaired during the month. Arrests included second-, third-, and fourth-degree DWI offenses, some involving refusal to submit to chemical testing, open containers, cannabis possession, and driving after revocation. Blood alcohol concentrations recorded ranged from 0.11 to 0.20. In addition, officers impounded a vehicle after discovering license plates expired for more than two years, with the case forwarded to the Wayzata City Attorney for review of a potential gross misdemeanor motor vehicle tax offense.
Disturbances and Domestic Calls
Officers responded to disturbances at apartments, hotels, and public areas. In one case, intoxicated individuals causing a disturbance in a hotel lobby were advised to leave and arranged for a sober ride. Police also responded to reports of verbal domestic disputes; no physical assaults were reported in those incidents.
Suspicious Activity and Welfare Checks
Police investigated numerous reports of suspicious persons, vehicles, and activity around residences and businesses. Several calls were resolved after officers were unable to locate suspects or determined there was no criminal activity. The department also conducted multiple adult and juvenile welfare checks and assisted with mental health–related calls.
Animals, Fire, and Public Assistance
Officers assisted with animal-related calls, including an injured coyote and a rabid raccoon, both of which were dispatched. Police also assisted the Wayzata Fire Department with a house fire on Ferndale Woods Road and responded to numerous fire and carbon monoxide alarms, traffic hazards, and motorist assists during winter conditions.
By the Numbers
During December, Wayzata police issued 98 citations and 92 verbal warnings. Officers handled dozens of medical calls, public assists, business checks, alarms, and traffic complaints, reflecting a steady level of day-to-day service activity across the community.
The full December 2025 Activity Report is available through the Wayzata Police Department for residents seeking additional detail on individual incidents and enforcement activity.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Mullin formally entered into the record a city statement clarifying the role of local law enforcement amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity across the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota.
“The Wayzata Police Department enforces only Minnesota state law and the City of Wayzata and the City of Long Lake ordinances,” Mullin read. He emphasized that local officers “do not enforce federal immigration law, do not inquire about immigration status, and do not collect that information.”
The statement further noted that enforcement of federal immigration law is conducted exclusively by federal agencies. Wayzata police do not participate in or collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement, are not notified in advance of federal activity, and have no authority to direct, control, or interfere with federal agencies carrying out their lawful duties.
According to the statement, if Wayzata police are called to respond to a disturbance or enforcement activity involving federal agencies, their role is limited to de-escalation and public safety—not immigration enforcement. “The Wayzata Police Department’s primary responsibility is protecting public safety and the well-being of all individuals within the city,” Mullin read.
Mullin continued, “For the record, there have been reports of federal immigration activity in the city of Wayzata for several weeks now. The chief of police, the city manager and I, the mayor have been directly involved in working with impacted stakeholders, including local businesses to address concerns that were brought to our attention.” He also noted that, to date, there have been no magnified issues associated with the federal activity in Wayzata.
Mullin said the decision to release the statement was driven by the ongoing nature of the situation and a desire by city leadership, including the full council, to provide clear guidance on the city’s role and the role of its police department.
Mullin closed his remarks by acknowledging that federal immigration enforcement activity is affecting a broad range of stakeholders in the community. He said city leadership remains available to hear concerns from residents, businesses, and others impacted, both now and going forward, and emphasized that the city will continue to listen as the situation evolves. He added that, if appropriate, the city is prepared to adjust its approach and communication to respond to changing circumstances.
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