C-Notes: January 9, 2025
Executive Director Report
I want to take a moment to remind everyone about an important opportunity to recognize the incredible work being done in law enforcement across Minnesota. The MCPA is currently accepting nominations for our 2025 Statewide Awards.
These awards celebrate outstanding officers and agencies who have gone above and beyond to serve and protect our communities.
Award Categories:
- Medal of Honor Award
- Distinguished Service Award
- Meritorious Service Award
- Lifesaving Award
- Police Cross Award
- Citizen's Valor Award
Submission Requirements:
- Nominations must be submitted by a CLEO
- If nominating someone from another agency, notify the nominee's CLEO
- A digital photo of the nominee is required with the application.
- Deadline: January 24, 2025
I encourage you to take this opportunity to highlight the exceptional achievements of your colleagues. These awards are a meaningful way to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by those in our profession.
For more information and to submit your nominations, visit mnchiefs.org/statewide-awards.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence in law enforcement.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Today, we honor and celebrate the incredible men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities.
On this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we extend our gratitude to law enforcement officers across Minnesota and the nation. Your courage, commitment, and compassion make a difference every day, ensuring our communities are safe places to live, work, and thrive.
Together, let’s recognize the invaluable contributions of these everyday heroes. Thank you for all that you do.
Peer Support Training for CLEOs and Command Staff
Law Enforcement personnel face ongoing high-stress situations, traumatic events and workplace demands not faced by other careers. These events can significantly impact their mental health and overall wellbeing. Peer support can be the first line of defense in stress management and mental health for public safety. Peer contact improves mental health outcomes, including suicide prevention and fosters a culture of wellness in your organization.
This 30-hour, in-person State-approved Peer Support Training is designed for chief and command-level law enforcement officers to support each other through challenges and better understand their department's needs. A peer support team is essential.
POST Board approved for 30 CEUs (in-person) and complies with MN Statute §181.9731 (Public Safety Peer Counseling).
Learn more and register online!
Register to Attend ETI 2025
MCPA is excited to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 Executive Training Institute. This year’s conference will take place at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN, a great venue in a beautiful city for learning and collaboration.
Join over 400 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota to engage with peer and national experts, exchange insights, and explore innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges in policing. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Minnesota’s premier professional development event for law enforcement leaders.
Visit mnchiefs.org/events/eti-2025 to learn more and secure your spot today.
Nominations Open for Excellence in Innovation Award
Nominations are now open for the MCPA Excellence in Innovation Award. This award honors large and small Minnesota municipal police agencies and their Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) for exceptional achievements and innovative programs that enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
Two awards will be given out: one to a small agency with 15 or fewer sworn officers and one to a large agency with more than 15 sworn officers.
Learn more about this award and submit a nomination by February 7, 2025. Honorees will be presented in Rochester during ETI, April 7-10, 2025.
2025 Membership Renewal Notices Sent
2025 membership renewal notices have been sent out and should already be in your inbox! Be sure to check your email for the renewal details.
You can also access your renewal information by visiting the Member Compass page of the MCPA website.
If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@mnchiefs.org.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the MCPA!
Police Chief Opening/Director of Public Safety Opening - West Hennepin P.D.
West Hennepin Public Safety (WHPS) is seeking a leader for the role of Director of Public Safety/Police Chief.
Location: Maple Plain, MN
Pay Rate: Annual Salary: $145,354 - $161,143
Application Deadline: 3:00 p.m. on January 10
This multifaceted role combines the responsibilities of Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO), Emergency Management Director, and Chief Executive Officer for the joint powers agreement serving the Cities of Maple Plain and Independence.
The Director oversees police operations, emergency preparedness, and administrative functions, including personnel management and financial oversight. This leader must excel in strategic planning, community engagement, and policy development while ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations.
Submit the following materials to Administrative Assistant Kaylen Dwinell at kdwinell@westhennepin.com:
- WHPS Application Form
- Letter of interest
- Resume
- Completed questionnaire
Police Chief Opening – Moorhead, MN
The City of Moorhead, MN, is seeking a law enforcement leader to serve as Police Chief. Moorhead, a vibrant community of 45,000, lies across the Red River from Fargo, ND, offering a strong economy, rich culture, and exceptional quality of life.
The Moorhead Police Department, with a $12.7M budget, includes 81 full-time staff and 62 sworn officers (increasing to 64 in 2025) and responded to over 32,000 calls in 2023. This role offers the chance to lead a forward-thinking department committed to community partnerships and innovation.
- Salary: $127,785 - $181,101 annually DOQ
- Deadline to Apply: January 12, 2025
Read the position profile to learn more and apply online!
Police Chief Opening – Sun Prairie, WI
The City of Sun Prairie, WI, is searching for an experienced law enforcement leader to serve as Chief of Police. Sun Prairie is a thriving and diverse community located just outside Madison, offering exceptional quality of life, excellent schools, and a dynamic cultural and recreational environment.
The Chief of Police oversees the entire Police Department, ensuring the community receives effective and professional law enforcement services. This position calls for a leader dedicated to trust-based policing, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Salary: $146,696.00 - $155,675.00 annually DOQ
- Deadline: Open until filled
Read the position profile to learn more and apply online.
Law Enforcement Night at Feed My Starving Children
You and your department are invited to participate in a meaningful evening of service at Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges has issued a friendly challenge among law enforcement departments to see who can pack the most meals!
This is an opportunity for law enforcement professionals and their families (children 5 and older are welcome) to come together, make a difference, and have some fun while providing nutritious meals for children in need worldwide.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Locations:
- Chanhassen: 18732 Lake Drive East (Sign Up Here)
- Coon Rapids: 401 93rd Ave NW (Sign Up Here)
- Eagan: 990 Lone Oak Rd, Suite 136 (Sign Up Here)
Choose your preferred location and register using the links provided above. If you encounter any issues or have questions, contact Christine Thelen at cthelen@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Nights
The Minnesota Wild are partnering with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities. Join them at the Xcel Energy Center for two special games featuring a “THANK YOU” ticket offer on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
These nights are open to all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers, sheriffs, security professionals, public safety workers, first responders, and their families, as well as the general public.
Ticket packages range from $38 to $99 and include:
- A donation to both NLEOMF and LEMA.
- An exclusive opportunity to take a photo on the ice.
Order your tickets online at https://nleomf.org/event/minnesota-wild-law-enforcement-thank-you-offer.
For groups of 8 or more, contact Minnesota Wild Representative Karen Reisinger at 651-312-3486 or kreisinger@wild.com.