Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping North Dakota Safe

North Dakota is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding North Dakota first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Lieutenant Whitney Link (Wahpeton) — Lieutenant Whitney Link made history as the first female officer to lead the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Police Department, earning recognition from regional law enforcement for her groundbreaking leadership. Overseeing a department that protects thousands of students, faculty and visitors, Link plays a key role in both campus safety and broader community collaboration with local agencies. In a field where women remain underrepresented, her National Policewomen’s Day recognition underscores the service, strength and persistence that define her leadership and signal progress toward greater inclusion in law enforcement. Read more here.

Firefighter Frank Zillich (Taylor) — Frank Zillich devoted more than 75 years to the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department, serving many of those years as fire chief and becoming a fixture of public service in his North Dakota town. A WWII Navy veteran and lifelong mechanic and farmer, Zillich brought the same steady hands and heart to firefighting, helping keep his community safe through decades of change. Known just as well for flipping pancakes at VFW breakfasts as he was for leading emergency responses, he embodied quiet leadership and neighborly care. In 2024, Zillich was inducted into the North Dakota Firefighters Hall of Fame — an honor that reflected his long service and the deep respect he earned across the state. He passed away in April 2025 at 98, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, humility and hometown pride. Read more here.

Firefighter Rick Schreiber (Arnegard) — After nearly three decades in the fire service, Rick Schreiber was named North Dakota’s Firefighter of the Year for 2024, recognizing a career defined by leadership, training and grit. As chief of the Arnegard Rural Fire Protection District, Schreiber has faced countless emergencies — but none as intense as the fast-moving 700-acre wildfire he helped battle last October. A veteran of both the Air Force and National Guard, he brings military discipline and community commitment to every call. Beyond firefighting, Schreiber wears many hats in Arnegard — city council president, nonprofit treasurer and family man — all while continuing to serve and protect his small-town community. Read more here.

Firefighter Brandon Hass (Bismarck) — Off-duty and on his way through Bismarck, firefighter Brandon Hass didn’t hesitate when he came upon a serious crash in June 2023 that left four people critically injured. After making sure help was on the way, Hass quickly took control of the chaotic scene, assessing victims, directing others and ultimately pulling two injured individuals from a burning vehicle. He cared for the wounded until emergency crews arrived, even helping load patients into ambulances. For his quick thinking and fearless response, Hass — who serves with both the Bismarck and Burleigh Rural Fire Departments — was honored with the North Dakota Highway Patrol’s Colonel’s Award for Excellence. Read more here.

Officer Zach Robinson (Fargo) — Fargo Police Officer and Air National Guard Master Sergeant Zach Robinson was honored with the 2024 Pitsenbarger Award for his heroic actions during a deadly ambush in July 2023. When a gunman opened fire on officers responding to a routine traffic crash, Robinson ran toward the threat and fatally shot the attacker — stopping what authorities believe was a planned mass casualty event. His actions prevented further loss of life and protected both his fellow officers and the Fargo community. The award, one of the Air Force’s highest honors for enlisted Airmen, recognizes Robinson’s extraordinary courage and selfless response under fire. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in North Dakota to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!