Recognition of Police Department personnel led the agenda at the Rogers City Council meeting on April 23.
Police Chief Dan Wills introduced three new police officers, who then took the oath of office from Mayor Rick Ihli.
New officers include:
• Officer Zackary Peek — A native of Maple Grove, Peek has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University. “He comes from a law enforcement background, as his father was a police officer in a nearby suburb,” Wills said.
• Officer Ana Salazar — A native of Los Angeles, California, Salazar moved to Minnesota when she was 4 years old. She is fluent in Spanish and learned English while in school in Minnesota, Wills said. Salazar previously worked in other local police departments, and most recently worked as a cultural liaison at the Anoka-Hennepin School District, where she provided multicultural families with resources as they navigated the educational system. Salazar has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She enjoys exercise and cinema.
• Officer Ryan Palecek — According to Wills, Palecek is from Oakdale and has had an interest in law enforcement since his early youth. Palecek was a member of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Police Explorer program and most recently worked as a Community Service Officer for the Maple Grove Police Department. A graduate of Rasmussen University, Palecek enjoys kayaking, camping, and hiking.
The council also recognized three additional Police Department employees, as follows:
• Machell Bentley, who on April 18 retired from her job as the Police Department’s records management technician, after a 44-year career in the private and government sectors, received a plaque recognizing her dedication to Rogers.
• Nicole Pearson is the new executive assistant to the chief of police. She was one of 71 applicants for the job, Wills said.
Pearson has a bachelor’s degree in management and business from Metropolitan State University. Her work history includes office manager at a dental office, 12 years of experience at the Maple Grove Police Department as records/investigations management technician, and most recently was employed with the Big Lake Police Department for the past four years as administrative assistant and police specialist.
• Andrea Hunt is the new records management technician in Rogers, replacing Machell Bentley. Hunt has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Minnesota State University. She has more than 30 years of public safety experience, including employment with the Plymouth and Blaine police departments, and most recently, as the principal administrative specialist with the Metro Transit Police Department for the past four years.
Two new Community Service Officers (CSOs) began working at the Rogers Police Department last week, as well. They are Caleb Crider and Ari Wilson.
Wills also noted that Jennifer Williams is the city’s new communications coordinator.
“You are all shining stars,” Mayor Rick Ihli said. We are very happy you are all here protecting us.”
Wills also cited an $11,000 donation from Kelly Veit, CEO of the Viet Company, to the Rogers Police Department’s K-9 program. He noted that Zeus, the department’s current canine, will be retired from duty soon, and said the donation will enable Rogers to purchase a new dog.
Open Forum speaker
Rogers resident Greg Hoseth spoke to the council at Open Forum, regarding plans for a new ice rink in the city.
“We hear about climate change a lot, but I don’t see anyone doing anything about it,” Hoseth said. “The community continues to build and build, and we don’t take into account the energy consumption.”
Hoseth noted that an ice rink consumes energy through compressors, pumps, fans, lighting, HVAC systems, dehumidification, and water and power for the Zamboni.
“People only make changes when they can’t breathe anymore,” Hoseth said. “We need to start thinking about this. It’s serious.”
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