MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Maple Grove Fire Chief Resigns Following Felony Charge Connected to Blaine-Area Cadet Program

MAPLE GROVE, MN (July 22, 2026) Maple Grove Fire Chief Maddison Zikmund has resigned following the filing of a felony sexual-assault charge involving alleged conduct from his earlier employment with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department.

The City of Maple Grove said Zikmund’s resignation became effective July 16.

City officials placed him on administrative leave earlier in July after learning about the criminal investigation. Once a charge was filed, the city prepared to begin recruiting a new chief.

Acting Fire Chief Bill Abderhalden is overseeing the department’s daily operations. The city said emergency-response services are continuing without interruption.

Allegation dates to 2017

Zikmund, 36, of Blaine, has been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charge is an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

According to the criminal complaint summarized by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the case involves a former youth fire cadet who was 17 at the time of the alleged assault in 2017.

The young woman reportedly joined the cadet program when she was 16. Investigators allege that Zikmund, who held a supervisory position, began sending her messages that became sexually explicit.

The complaint alleges that Zikmund later invited her to his home and sexually assaulted her.

The Star Tribune reported that Zikmund acknowledged exchanging explicit photographs and having physical contact with the teenager during an interview with investigators. Those statements and the prosecution’s other allegations will be subject to examination through the court process.

Leadership transition begins

Zikmund became Maple Grove’s fire chief in 2025 after previously holding fire-service positions in Fridley and the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View organization.

The Maple Grove City Council was asked July 20 to authorize recruitment for a permanent replacement.

The city has not announced a hiring timetable. Searching for a new chief will likely involve reviewing the department’s operational needs, leadership structure and expectations for oversight.

The case may also prompt questions about supervision and safeguarding within youth public-safety programs. No court finding has established institutional liability, and the alleged conduct predates Zikmund’s employment with Maple Grove.

The criminal case will proceed separately from the city’s employment decisions. Further court hearings will determine how Zikmund responds to the charge and whether the case moves toward trial or another resolution.

Sources: City of Maple Grove; Minnesota Star Tribune

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