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The Nobility of our Profession
By: Chief Coan
ou may recall from a past Newsletter me relating a
telephone call that I received from an elderly gentleman who complimented the actions of several of our officers at the scene of a traffic accident involving his wife. The man was exceedingly grateful for the officer’s help and reassurance. I believe that the actions of the officers in this particular incident reflect the quality and caliber of all of the people who comprise our Department. Unfortunately, we seldom hear of how our efforts are received by people outside of the Department. However, the occasional thank-you (such as the aforementioned) serves as pleasant reminders that our efforts and demeanor do not go unappreciated by the public that we serve and protect. Whether it is an officer rendering medical aid,
a CSO directing traffic, a reserve officer on patrol, or an office staff member responding to a question or concern, we do have positive and significant impact upon the citizens of our three cities. The letters, calls, and personal thanks that we receive (such as those found in the Letters of Commendation and Thanks section of each Newsletter) reflect a general appreciation for the outstanding work being done by so many of you. And while many different descriptions come close to capturing what we all do, I believe that none are more exact than the word “noble”. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word noble as “being superior in character, ideals, courage, or morals”. To Webster these are just words, but to professional police officers, community service officers, reserve officers, and office staff they are fundamental principles
upon which careers are built. As a matter of fact, the embodiment of nobility occurs every day in our Department as we go about our work in a dedicated, courageous, professional, compassionate and caring manner.
I once read that “in our society, no other group, only the police, stand so ready to step into confrontation and conflict in the manner that we do; no other group of men and women will so willingly put themselves in harm’s way (often on behalf of strangers); and no other group exemplifies so profound a sense of courage and nobility”. We can all be very proud to be part of such a noble profession. §
Y
April 2012
Volume 4
Centennial Lakes Police Department
54 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014
Non-Emergency: 763-427-1212
Phone: 763-784-2501 Fax: 763-784-0082
Proudly serving the cities
of Centerville, Circle
Pines, and Lexington
www.clpdmn.com [email protected]
Inside this Edition
CLPD Personnel updates ………………………..2 & 3
CLPD Governing Board Representative ……………3
Letters of Commendation and Thanks ……….4, 5 & 6
Core Virtues ……………………………………………7
Community Connection …………………… 8 & 9 & 10
Liaison Officer List ……………………………..…….10
Webster’s Dictionary
defines the word noble as
“being superior in
character, ideals,
courage, or morals”.
Officer A. Dixon helping at the Fete
Des Lacs parade in Centerville.
Officer J. Krueger talking with a
resident.
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 2 ~
CLPD Personnel Update
We would like to welcome Joe Wressell as one of our Community Service Officers.
Joe is a 2009 graduate of Spring Lake Park High School. He is nearing completion of his Associate’s Degree from Century College and then intends to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Metro State University. Joe was a Police Explorer with the Blaine Police Department and is currently employed as a Security Officer at Northtown Mall.
We are pleased to announce the addition of our newest Community Service Officer, Alex Hattstrom.
Alex is a 2010 graduate of Spring Lake Park High School. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. Alex has also been working at a local Target Store as an Asset Protection Specialist and is currently a Reserve Officer for the Lino Lakes Police Department.
CSO Joe Wressell
CSO Alex Hattstrom
We are sad to say that Officer Scott Arntzen has resigned from our department. He has moved on to take a position as a Conservation Officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Scott had been withCLPD since 2002 and his last day was March 24, 2012. Although we will miss him, we wishScott all the best in his new job. K k k k “To All, It’s been a pleasure to work with all of you. There have been a lot of great memories, including some that cannot be told until retirement. I also thank all of you for your support during my family crisis. I did express to Dallas on my exit interview that this department has an excellent bunch of officers and they need to do whatever to keep you guys happy and that it would be their loss if not. Good luck to all. Keep in touch, Officer Scott Arntzen.”
Officer Scott Arntzen
To the left: Scott is receiving
a going away gift. Goodbye
messages and signatures on
a Smokey the Bear Plaque.
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 3 ~
Reserve Sergeant Promotions
We are pleased to announce that Dennis Spreng and Andrew (Drew) Milles have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant in our Reserve Officer Unit. The promotions became effective on January 15th. We believe that both Andrew and Dennis have the experience, maturity, human relations skills, positive attitude, and strength of character necessary to be strong and effective leaders of our reserve officers. Having two Sergeants will serve to further enhance and move forward an already solid reserve unit. §
Drew being pinned by his wife with the badge of Reserve Sergeant.
Centerville City Councilmember Ben Fehrenbacher has become the new Chair of our Police Governing Board. The former Chair, Circle Pines City Councilmember Dave Kelso, has elected not to renew his appointment to the Board. Circle Pines City Councilwoman Deb O’Brien was appointed to replace Kelso on the Governing Board.
“Dave Kelso is a dedicated public servant and has been a strong advocate for professional policing and public safety. Dave’s personal and professional support and efforts have helped to make us a better law enforcement agency. Dave will be missed as the Chair and as a member of the Governing Board. Chief Coan.” §
COUNCILMEMBER Dave Kelso steps down from the
CLPD GOVERNING BOARD
Chief Coan along with Ben Fehrenbacher present Councilmember Dave Kelso
with a plaque of appreciation for his service on the Governing Board.
Reserve Sergeant
Andrew (Drew) Milles.
Andrew (Drew)
Milles
Reserve Sergeant
Dennis Spreng.
Sergeant B.J. Stepan pinning
Dennis Spreng with the
badge of Reserve Sergeant.
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 4 ~
Letters of Commendation and Thanks
While many of the Centennial Lakes Police Department employee’s efforts are commendable and deserve thanks, here are a few letters and comments that have been recently brought to the attention of the Chief of Police.
“To All, I wanted to thank each of you for the promotion ceremony and show of support last night. It meant a lot to me and my family and I really appreciate the level of professionalism and respect that was demonstrated. I would also like to take this opportunity to specifically thank Office Giese for his prompting and guidance that first introduced me to the Reserve Program and convinced me to apply. I continue to be blessed by the experiences, friendships, and camaraderie of the reserve program and CLPD as a whole and look forward to serving in my new role as a Reserve Sergeant. Thank you again. Reserve Sergeant Andrew (Drew) Milles”
This is a letter to the editor
that was published in the Quad Community Press on January 17, 2012. “CLPD response time makes Circle Pines safe - On Dec. 3, my husband suffered a serious stroke. Although he was unable to speak, he was able to call 911. I want the Circle Pines community to know they are in good hands when they call 911. Thank you to Andrea the 911 operator who knew something was wrong and sent help. Thank you to the
police officers, fire fighters, and EMT people who were there within minutes. He called at 10:24, I arrived home at 10:34 to a house full of help and we were in the hospital by 11:00. Another thank you to the person who called my husband "coach.” It really made him feel at ease to see a friendly face. My husband is doing better and I know that the professional actions of the emergency workers, the rehab staff at Regions and his hard work have made the difference. Thanks, Lynn Jorris”
“Hello Russell (Sergeant
Russ Blanck), Thanks for your quick response! I'm happy to hear that you were able to bring them in on a Felony Warrant for a third degree drug violation. Keep up the good work and have a good day! Eric Schoon.”
“Hats off to the multi-
jurisdictional law enforcement task force (from CLPD, Detective Kris Carlson) that was investigating area liquor store burglaries. Thank you for orchestrating a very nice operation which resulted in the arrest of two at about 3:30 this am. They broke into a Minnetonka liquor store and were hauled in, Grey Goose and all. I’m sure the multi-jurisdictional
law enforcement task force will give an update when they awake. Nonetheless, their persistence and hard work will ultimately lead to the clearance of over a dozen metro burglaries is worthy of note. Thanks to you and your bosses for making the multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force personnel available to attack this wider and very active crime group. It was a pleasure to have our personnel be a part of this operation. I know that hours upon hours of investigative work comes before the tracker is even attached. Nice work to all! Sergeant Arons”
“I have been honored to
have served as one of Circle Pine’s representatives to the CLPD Governing Board for the last five or six years. I’m not entirely sure if it has been five or six years as the older I get the more I forget, but I can assure you that I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. During my tenure, I have seen a lot of change at the CLPD; all of it resulting in a better and stronger Department. A new building was constructed which I believe strengthens our commitment to a long term Joint Powers agreement
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 5 ~
with our three cities. A stronger emphasis on “Problem Oriented Policing” was put into play which I believe re-aligns the enforcement strategy and makes the Department more visible in the community. And, of course, the hiring of Chief Jim Coan which brought new leadership insights to the Department. Most importantly, however, I want to express my appreciation and admiration for the job you do. It’s a difficult job, especially in today’s more hostile environment, and you all perform superbly with a high degree of professionalism. It shows and it matters! As I move on to other duties and responsibilities, I will not disappear from the scene but will continue to support the Department as best I can. Again, I thank you for the work that you do in keeping our communities safe. Dave Kelso, Councilmember, City of Circle Pines.”
“Hi All - I just wanted to
send a quick note saying thank you all for such a fantastic event (polar plunge)! I've told many people that this is one of the best Plunge experiences I've had - your law enforcement and community involvement was absolutely outstanding, and the support your committee provided was above and beyond! And then the results of the day were the icing on the cake - $90,000
raised and 450 participants. This is a new record for a first year plunge - our previous record was from Minneapolis and in their first year they raised $50,000. I hope you all are as excited and happy with how the day went as we at Special Olympics are. I know we hope to have a recap meeting after all the other Plunges are done so more to come on that. If you didn't get a long sleeve shirt, Anne, Brian and Steve should all have a variety of sizes. Again, thank you all so much for your time and efforts to support Special Olympics Minnesota! Megan Powell”
“Russ (Sergeant Russ
Blanck), The event (Centerville Lions Fishing tournament) was a success. We were able to have parking at the school parking lot, St Genevieve's parish community center and other areas. We had ATV's with little trailers on them to assist people and their gear out on to the lake The businesses in town were happy as many had standing room only at their establishments, food, bars, gas stations, convenience stores, etc. Many people came up to me and thanked us for having a nice family event. We were able to have many donated prizes and many people thought that was great. The reserves, CERT personnel and Officer Krueger did a great job and we sure appreciate it. The Anoka
County Sheriff's made an appearance on the ice as well. Thanks for the support of the CERT, Centennial Fire and your department. Tom Wilharber, Treasurer - Centerville Lions, Mayor of Centerville.”
“Chief Coan, In response to
several metro area liquor store burglaries, multi-agency investigation was initiated. Included in the investigation was Detective Kris Carlson of your department. He assisted in surveillance, and was a key participant in relaying GPS information on the suspect to other detectives in the field on the night of February 4th, 2012. As a result of Detective Carlson’s actions, the burglar was apprehended after a Minnetonka liquor store burglary in the early morning hours of Feb. 5th, 2012. The arrest, and follow-up search warrant conducted by Detective Carlson, resulted in clearing approximately eleven burglaries. I wish to thank your department, and especially Detective Carlson, for your assistance in putting an end to these metro burglaries. His conduct was professional, and we look forward to working with members of your department in the future. Thank you. Captain John Hattstrom, Investigations Unit, Coon Rapids Police Department.”
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 6 ~
“Thank you for this report (Annual Report). It is very interesting reading. I am proud to live in the protection area of the Centennial Lakes Police Department. I am very proud of our Police Department. It is comforting to know that when you have an emergency almost every time you will have an officer respond that you know and their caring and concern even after the event is heartfelt. Under our new leadership I see many more smiling faces now from the staff. Thank you Chief Coan for a job well done and your leadership. Thanks to the staff of the Police Department for giving because you care and not only because it is your jobs. Thanks for giving
from the heart. You are all the best. I wish I could make all our police "the Top Policeman or Policewoman of the Year" because you all are. Thank you, Betty Bailey, President Paul Revere Cooperative.”
“Jim Coan, Thank you for
sharing your Annual Report. I enjoyed the history particularly the part where city councilmen took turns providing policing duties at night! Wow. I also thought it was a nice touch having different officers contribute to the report. Finally, great to see you have Dixon on your staff!! Dr. Keith Dixon, Centennial School District Superintendent.”
“Chief, I watched the video of the Centerville City Council meeting yesterday,
as I was not able to be present last Wednesday evening, and have also reviewed your 2011 annual report. Congratulations on a well-written document, it was a pleasure to read and the photos were great. Thank you! Deb Barnes, Managing Editor, The Citizen.”
“Chief Coan and Captain
Nelson presented our 2011 Annual Report/2012 Management Plan to each of the three City Councils. Mayor Pitchford of Lexington, Mayor Wilharber of Centerville, and Mayor Bartholomay of Circle Pines all thanked our Department and officers for our good work. Council Members of each City also expressed appreciation.Ӥ
CLPD Newsletter is a quarterly publication of the
Centennial Lakes Police Department
Chief of Police:
Chief J. Coan
Editors:
K. Honkomp, Data Entry Clerk
C. Lewis, Office Manager
Articles Contributed by:
Chief J. Coan
Photos Courtesy of:
Sergeant B.J. Stepan
Officer J. Krueger
Officer A. Kruyer
Various CLPD Staff
Part of our C.E.R.T. team which is managed by Michelle Lakso.
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 7 ~
Core Virtues
By: Chief Coan
recently re-read an article
from Police Chief Magazine
that focused on the topic of core
virtues in policing. With respect
to such virtues as trust, courage,
compassion, honesty, and
responsibility, it was said that
police officers fall into the same
bell curve as the general
population, i.e. there are some
officers with few core virtues,
many with some, and a few
with many. The level of
integrity in a police department
depends on the influence
exerted by those on the lower
and higher ends of the bell
curve. I believe that this
principle applies to virtually
every position in an
organization.
Police officers are very much
attuned to what their peers are
doing or not doing. Often,
those observations exert
considerable influence on those
in the middle of the curve.
Most officers know who
hesitates to accept certain calls,
who conducts poor
investigations, who writes poor
reports, who is lazy about their
work, or who may step over the
line when using force.
Unfortunately, those unethical
practices can influence the
behavior of those in the middle
of the curve. “Why should I
work so hard when others
don’t” is a complaint sometimes
heard.
Though seemingly minor,
challenging a fellow officer or
employee who complains or
criticizes, asking an officer why
he/she is out of service too long,
encouraging someone to work
harder or to be more positive, or
suggesting to someone that they
do over a report, sends a
message that you are
responsible and accountable for
your actions. This approach is
just not the exclusive
responsibility of a supervisor
either. Of course this may not
do much to instill core virtues in
those on the lower end of the
bell curve, but it can have a
significant impact on the rest
since good behavior can be just
as contagious as bad behavior.
When the influence of those
with high core virtues are
dominant, personnel are more
likely to do things like
volunteer for calls, come off
breaks to handle assignments,
assist a fellow officer with an
investigation, maintain a
positive attitude, volunteer for a
project, or demonstrate
initiative in various aspects of
their work. They say that
employees who work together,
have a positive attitude, and
promote a team atmosphere are
more satisfied with their job and
with their personal lives.
We must be careful never to
promote an organizational
culture dominated by low core
virtues and mediocre
performance. Fortunately, we
have a Department comprised
of highly professional, well-
trained, and competent people
at all levels of the organization
who exhibit many core virtues
on a routine basis.
Nevertheless, it is the
responsibility of each and every
one of us to rise above
mediocrity and to always be the
best person and the best police
officer, CSO, office staff
member, or reserve officer that
we can be. We must strive to
maintain an atmosphere in
which it makes sense to act with
courage, compassion, initiative,
a positive attitude, and integrity,
and where these core virtues are
practiced by everyone in the
Department. §
I
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 8 ~
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Thank you to the CLPD team that took the
plunge. From Left to right: S. Gehlhar, Officer A. Kruyer,
Reserve Officer D. Spreng and Officer M.
Giese.
On Saturday, February 11, 2012 Anoka County hosted their first ever Polar Bear Plunge at Crooked Lake in Coon Rapids. Donations raised for this event benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. With 451 participants, Anoka County raised $92,089. This is a new record for a first year plunge. The previous record was from Minneapolis and in their first year they raised $50,000. An estimated $2.9 million dollars was raised with 14,000 participants statewide – what an awesome year for the Minnesota Plunges! CSO B. Austin coordinated CLPD involvement in the event.
We want to thank everyone who donated and participated in this event including the following businesses in our area: ▪BarOle Trucking, Inc. - Centerville,MN ▪Midwest Crating - Centerville,MN ▪Bamboo Betty’s - Lexington,MN ▪Champlin ATA - Champlin,MN
P
O
L
A
R
p
L
U
N
G
E
Police Department Tours
We offer tours of our facility throughout the year. Tours are given to residents, scouting groups, and elementary school classes. A police department tour allows citizens to get an idea of the facilities and equipment that police officers use on a daily basis. Information given during tours can be tailored to fit the objective of specific groups.
Officer B. Jacobson
and CSO J.
Wressell giving a
tour to a local Boy
Scout troop.
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 9 ~
D.A.R.E. To Resist Drugs and Violence
On January 27th, Chief Coan and Officer Kruyer attended the D.A.R.E graduation for the 5th grade classes at Centerville Elementary School. Chief Coan gave a presentation to the students and parents in attendance at the ceremony and then assisted Principal Kathy Tschida and DARE Instructor Todd Lundgren in passing out certificates to about 75 graduating students. D.A.R.E stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and is a highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills to avoid involvement in drugs, alcohol, gangs, and violence.
Chief Coan gives presententation
at D.A.R.E. graduation.
CENTERVILLE LIONS CLUB FISHING TOURNAMENT
The Centerville Lions Club hosted its 30th Annual fishing contest on Saturday, February 18. The contest took place on Centerville Lake and was a great success. There were over 1,000 people in attendance and there were no major incidents. They cleared $9,000 and were grateful for the assistance from the CLPD. Our Police Reserves, CERT members, Centennial Fire Department and Officer Krueger did a wonderful job. They completely handled the traffic, parking lot, and gates along with the bus shuttle issues. They also walked around and helped when needed. Thanks to all that were there!
CLPD Newsletter 2012
~ 10 ~
Dodge Ball Challenge;
The 3rd Annual “Dodge Ball Challenge” took place on Thursday, March 29, at Golden Lake Elementary to help raise money for the “H20 help to others” project. The rounds consisted of children vs. children and adults vs. adults. Some of the adult teams were the CLPD, PTA, teachers and parents. The purpose of this event is to raise money for the digging of wells that bring clean drinking water to the students of the Chepkemel School in Kericho, Kenya. The Golden Lake Elementary School is very proud of their Student Council Members and students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth for embarking on a world-wide service project. §
Contact your area liaison officer with any questions you may have at: 763-784-2501
Circle Pines:
Admin. Sergeant R. Blanck
Officer J. Krueger
Officer J. Tarnowski
Officer J. Zech
Detective K. Carlson
Lexington:
Sergeant B.J. Stepan
Officer A. Dixon
Officer B. Jacobson
Officer M. Giese
Centerville:
Sergeant P. Aldrich
Officer M. Langreck
Officer A. Sandmann
Officer A. Kruyer
The CLPD Dodge Ball
Challenge team from
left to right: Officer B.
Jacobson, CSO J.
Wressell, B. Dorr, Resv.
Srg. D. Milles, CSO B.
Austin, and Detective K.
Carlson.
