In this issue:
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MMIR: Honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives each day with new special plate
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State Patrol: Thanks for stepping up and saving lives
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SFM: Fire investigators try to get to the truth behind the blaze
- Commissioner's corner: Col. Langer leaving State Patrol after leading organization for 10 years
 Minnesota Sen. Mary Kunesh displays a mock-up of the new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office special license plate. Kunesh was instrumental in creating the special plate.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day of Remembrance — which is Feb. 14 each year — honors those Indigenous relatives who are missing from the lives of their loved ones. But they deserve more than just one day.
That is why the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office unveiled the design of the new MMIR license plate during this year’s event.
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License plate: You can support MMIR’s mission by purchasing the new special plate through our Driver and Vehicle Services division. The new plate is made on demand, so drivers can customize it however they like. It will cost $15.50 and require a minimum $25 annual contribution to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account.
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Reward account: Money in the account, which currently has a balance of $250,000, can be used to support community led searches, as well as pay for search equipment, media outreach, prevention programs and other activities.
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Plate design: The license plate features a red handprint, which represents the fight against injustice faced by Indigenous people, and a ribbon design in colors sacred to some Indigenous cultures.
Learn more here.
 DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson, left, and Col. Matt Langer, right, presented Trooper Nick Diederich, center, with the Trooper of the Year award Thursday during the Minnesota State Patrol Awards Ceremony.
Trooper Nick Diederich initiated 1,591 traffic stops in 2023 — but one stands out.
During the stop, the young adult Diederich had pulled over broke down and had a mental health crisis. Diederich stayed with them during the crisis, and the two had a long roadside conversation. Diederich gave the driver his business card, so they could call and talk any time. The interaction helped the driver get the professional help they needed.
Diederich was among troopers, officers from partner agencies, civilian employees and good Samaritans who were in the right place at the right time that were honored Thursday at the Minnesota State Patrol Awards Ceremony.
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Saving lives: A nurse who gave CPR to a crash victim, a sheriff’s deputy who pulled an unconscious truck driver from his burning semi, an off-duty trooper who gave the Heimlich maneuver to a choking restaurant patron: These are three ways our award-winners stepped up to help.
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Excellence: “These award-winners showed initiative and leadership both on and off the job. They saved lives, showing courage in challenging circumstances, and went above and beyond in their duties, demonstrating the excellence all Minnesota State Patrol members strive for," said Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer.
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Recipients: You can find a full list of award-winners on our website.
Learn more here.
 A State Fire Marshal investigator works at the scene of a house fire.
When a structure fire starts, firefighters rush to the scene to save lives and prevent as much property damage as they can.
After each ember is cooled — a process that can take days for large fires — the fire investigation starts. Our State Fire Marshal (SFM) division fire investigators step up when local fire or police departments ask for help determining the cause of a fire. Investigating fires is one of the most important things we do, and it's something we take very seriously. Our investigators take pride in doing a thorough and professional job.
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The goal: “I don’t want it to happen again, regardless of what happened,” SFM fire investigator Jim Iammatteo said. “With each of these fire investigations, we’re trying to prevent the next one.”
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Lengthy process: However, those thorough investigations take time — sometimes days, weeks, months or even several years. The length of the investigation depends on dozens of variables
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Many kinds of evidence: Evidence isn’t limited to what they find on the fire scene, either. Investigators may also use background information like financial transactions, cell phone records, alarm system data, witness statements, as well as other information to help determine what caused the fire.
Learn more here.
After serving the Minnesota State Patrol for nearly 25 years, Col. Matt Langer announced last week he is leaving DPS to take a position as the director of global policing for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Col. Langer began his career with the State Patrol in 1999, where he developed an appreciation for the organization and discovered a passion for traffic safety. He worked his way through the ranks and has been the State Patrol’s chief for the past 10 years.
Commissioner Jacobson said he is proud of Col. Langer’s work and excited his new role will keep him at the forefront of public safety. Commissioner Jacobson will immediately begin the process to name a new colonel.
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