Maple Grove fire chief resigns after sex assault charge
Maple Grove Fire Chief Maddison Michael Zikmund, 36, resigned effective July 16, 2026, after being charged in Anoka County with third-degree criminal sexual conduct while in a position of authority.[1]
Blaine police say the alleged assault occurred in spring 2017 when the victim was 17 and a fire explorer in the SBM Fire Department program Zikmund helped supervise.[1] Police say Zikmund admitted exchanging explicit photos with the teen and touching her vagina under her clothing at his Blaine home, though he denied having sex.[1]
The victim disclosed the alleged abuse to Blaine police on June 26, 2026, triggering the criminal complaint and the subsequent leadership shakeup in Maple Grove's fire department.[1]
Maple Grove placed Zikmund on administrative leave as soon as it learned of the investigation and named Acting Fire Chief Bill Abderhalden while seeking council approval on July 20 to recruit a new chief.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Maple Grove Fire Chief Maddison Michael Zikmund, 36, resigned effective July 16, 2026, after being charged in Anoka County with third-degree criminal sexual conduct while in a position of authority.
- The alleged assault dates to spring 2017, when the victim was a 17-year-old fire explorer in the SBM Fire Department program that Zikmund helped supervise.
- Blaine police say Zikmund admitted exchanging explicit photos with the teen and touching her vagina under her clothing at his Blaine home, though he denied having sex.
- Maple Grove placed Zikmund on administrative leave as soon as it learned of the investigation and has named Acting Fire Chief Bill Abderhalden while seeking council approval on July 20 to recruit a new chief.
- The victim disclosed the alleged abuse to Blaine police on June 26, 2026, triggering the criminal complaint and the subsequent leadership shakeup in Maple Grove’s fire department.
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