C-Notes: October 10, 2024
Executive Director Report
Good afternoon.
Yesterday, we held the first of three Critical Issues sessions. Over 400 people are signed up for this year's series. The sessions have been selected to provide attendees with great content on critical issues for your agencies, and there is still time to sign up. All of the sessions are recorded and can be accessed at any time they take place. The next session will be on Wednesday, October 16, from 9:00-12:00 via Zoom.
During that Wednesday session, we will convene a panel to hear from legislative leaders about what they expect to happen during the upcoming legislative session. We will also learn about the new ERPO law, specifically the issues associated with confiscations of firearms. You won't want to miss it. Below is a breakdown of subjects that we are covering during this year's Critical Issues Series:
- The Ideal Wellness Program for First Responders. There are three common elements that can drive the best outcomes for first responder wellness. This talk describes these three components and highlights how they work together. (October 9 - recording now available)
- Media Propaganda/Crisis Communications Plan. This presentation will prepare you and your agency for crisis. The importance of developing a communications plan is critical to your agency. (October 9 - recording now available)
- Legislative Leader Panel. We will hear from the leaders of the House and Senate on issues they see as their priorities for the upcoming session, as well as a focus on public safety-related legislation. (Upcoming - October 16)
- ERPO Firearms confiscations. What every agency should know about the new ERPO law and how to handle firearm confiscations. (Upcoming - October 16)
- Self-Defense Supreme Court Decision. This Supreme Court decision is huge. You will want to hear how it will reshape self-defense claims and provide important advice on investigations by your agency. (Upcoming - October 30)
- Bias and De-Escalation. Dr. Shawn Moore will provide the most tips and trends on Bias and De-escalation training. Dr. Moore is one of the top trainers in the nation. (Upcoming - October 30)
Learn more and register at www.mnchiefs.org/events/critical-issues-2024.
Thank you,
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Law Enforcement Ranger Dies on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — The National Park Service (NPS) is mourning the loss of a law enforcement park ranger who died Sunday, October 6 in St. Louis County while responding to a call for help.
The law enforcement ranger responded late Sunday morning to a call for assistance from a distressed civilian vessel on Namakan Lake. While towing the distressed vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three individuals being assisted into the water.
The three members of the public were able to swim to safety, but the ranger was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, the ranger’s body was recovered from Namakan Lake at approximately 3:20 p.m.
The incident is under investigation. High winds and rough waters were reported at the time.
The United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, and Kabetogama Fire Department assisted in the search and recovery.
The ranger’s name is being withheld until all notifications are made. No further information is available at this time.
—NPS —
Leadership Academy
Registration is now open for the May 19-22 Leadership Academy at Camp Ripley. Learn more and register at mnchiefs.org/leadership-academy. There are also a few spots remaining for the December Leadership Academy!
Apply for an MCPF Community Grant
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Community Partnerships Grant Program.
This funding opportunity is designed to help agencies strengthen trust and build deeper partnerships with their communities. Community Partnerships Grants aim to support, supplement, initiate, and accelerate police departments’ efforts to engage with the community in meaningful ways. All events, projects, programs, and initiatives submitted for consideration must focus on building relationships, trust, transparency, cooperation, or partnerships with the communities they serve.
For more information about grant eligibility and criteria, view the application information packet and apply online by November 4, 2024. All MCPA member agencies are encouraged to apply. If you have questions, please contact Acacia Huss-Zirzow or Jeff Potts.
Help the Minnesota Wild Honor Outstanding Law Enforcement Professionals
The Axtell Group is collaborating with the Minnesota Wild to honor outstanding law enforcement professionals at 20 of their home games this season. We are still seeking nominations for sworn police who have made notable contributions recently or in the past, including:
- Officer, deputy, or trooper of the year award winners
- Life-saving award recipients
- Individuals with strong community connections
- Those who work quietly behind the scenes to ensure community safety
This is a wonderful chance to recognize someone from your organization for their exceptional work.
The Minnesota Wild will honor these individuals with:
- Two tickets to an upcoming home game (based on availability, possibly one or two more)
- Recognition on the big scoreboard during a break in the first-period action
- An opportunity for your agency to highlight the honor on social media
If you have someone in mind, please email stormewdunn@
Child Exploitation Forum
Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement Appreciation Night
Ticket packages range from $36 to $48 to $126, and $5 from each ticket will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Each ticket package also includes a Minnesota Wild Law Enforcement T-Shirt.