"In our circles, I realize people might work in finance or insurance or whatever for 40 years, but people don't work as cops for 40 years," said Waseca Police Captain Kris Markeson.
Waseca Chief of Police Penny Vought's tenure working in the Waseca Police Department is just short of 40 years, as she began with the department in July of 1984. For her efforts in the years she has served Waseca, Vought received the Waseca Exchange Club's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award on Wednesday, May 15. She is the award's first ever recipient.
The Exchange Club hosted a presentation for Vought on May 15, with many people speaking about her and acknowledging her service in the community. Exchange Club President Mikhail Rostislovovich hosted the event.
"There are a few folks in this community who want to acknowledge not only your hard work and steadfast service in helping to protect our community as chief of police, but also the great service of heart you've given to our many civic organizations and the individuals that you help," Rostislovovich said at the beginning of the ceremony. "Because of you, we can all call Waseca a safer and brighter place to live."
Vought started with the Police Department in 1984 and has been the chief of police since 2010. The whole ceremony was a surprise for Vought, as the Exchange Club and her colleagues knew that she did not want it as she wanted it to be presented to someone else.
Aside from being the chief of police, Vought is also a part of the Rotary Club, the Waseca Area Foundation, the Don Eustice scholarship committee, and the Waseca Art Center.
Markeson was the first to speak about Vought, and noted how she treats her staff with respect.
"You put your work and your staff first, advocating for them publicly and privately more than they will ever know," Markeson said. "I don't know of any other chiefs that eat lunch with their staff every single day."
"You were uneasy getting this recognition, but you deserve it," Markeson added. "You could have retired long ago, but you stayed this long, because you love it."
Markeson has been Waseca's police captain since 2010, taking Vought's former position, as she was captain from 2006-10.
Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas and Waseca Fire Chief Jason Forshee also shared a few words about Vought.
Dulas noted that Vought is a staple of the Waseca community, as whenever officers from the Waseca area go to trainings throughout the state, they always get asked "Is Penny still around?" after mentioning Waseca.
Forshee stated that Vought is very caring and supportive of everything related to public safety, not just the Police Department.
"She's not just passionate about public safety, she's passionate about Waseca," Forshee said. "She's made Waseca a career."
Forshee also pointed out that Vought will always answer a call whenever she is needed, whether it's on the weekends or in the middle of the night.
Rostislovovich presented Vought the award after the statements made about Vought.
"Your dedication has inspired positive change in our entire community," Rostislovovich said.
Vought spoke a few words herself. She was unprepared, as the award ceremony was a surprise.
Vought stated that, while she grew up in the Iron Range of Minnesota, she always says she was raised in Waseca, as she states that her life started when she moved here in 1984.
"I love Waseca and its citizens," Vought said. "We've had some ups and downs, but we persevere."
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