In this issue:
- State Patrol: Bogojevic named new colonel
- SFM: Fire deaths on pace to top recent record high
- ECN: Minnesota's 'first first responders' pick up the phone, make a difference
- Commissioner's Corner: Dispatchers answer millions of calls across Minnesota each year
- Featured social media
Interim Col. Christina Bogojevic will be the Minnesota State Patrol’s next colonel, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson announced. Bogojevic has been with the State Patrol for more than 20 years and has served as second in command since December 2022.
“Interim Col. Bogojevic brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and dedication, not only to the organization, but to law enforcement as a whole,” Jacobson said. “She embodies the State Patrol’s core values and cares deeply for the people with whom she works with and serves. I am confident she will continue to make a positive impact within the State Patrol and communities across our state.”
Bogojevic joined the State Patrol in 2003. Prior to being named lieutenant colonel, she served as captain of the Rochester district, mobile response commander, lieutenant in the Commercial Vehicle section, investigator, recruiter and crash reconstruction specialist.
“Working for the State Patrol is so much more than a job to me. It’s a passion. I care deeply about our people and our mission. I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as chief,” Bogojevic said. “I look forward to working with Minnesota State Patrol staff and allied agencies who work so hard to keep residents safe on Minnesota roadways.”
Bogojevic said she looks forward to collaborating on new ideas and efforts to lower Minnesota’s traffic fatality rate, which is up this year when compared to last year. She’s also passionate about developing innovative ways to recruit and retain troopers.
Bogojevic was named interim colonel following Col. Matt Langer’s announcement that he was leaving the State Patrol for a position with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. She will officially take over as colonel on May 2.
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 So far this year, 21 people have died in fires across Minnesota. If that pace continues, we could top 70 fire deaths — the highest in any single year since 1995.
The cause of many of these fatal fires is still under investigation. But we do have some data that help paint a picture of how and where the fires are happening — and who is dying.
- Careless smoking was a contributing factor in four deaths.
- 13 of the 21 deaths happened in greater Minnesota.
- 13 men and 8 women have died.
- 14 of the victims were over age 60.
There is a name behind each of these numbers. A family shattered by the loss of a loved one. Learn more in this DPS blog.
 This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We're taking time to thank all of the public safety telecommunicators — also known as 911 dispatchers — across our state, including at our own Minnesota State Patrol, who serve the public and help keep us safe.
These men and women are often referred to as the “first first responders" because they pick up the phone and are the first to respond to what could be the worst moment of someone's life. Or at the very least a moment that's stressful or scary.
Make sure you follow our Department of Public Safety jobs page for openings at our State Patrol dispatch centers. We also have public safety telecommunicator job openings posted from across the state at 911itsyourcalling.com.
Hear from a former 911 dispatcher in this blog.
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Read the proclamation from Gov. Tim Walz here.
Police, fire and medical professionals rely on public safety telecommunicators — also known as 911 dispatchers — each and every day.
Dispatchers at 103 state, tribal, county, municipal and non-traditional Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) answer 911 calls placed by Minnesota residents and visitors. These PSAPs answer millions of calls each year.
Here's a snapshot of the calls our Minnesota State Patrol dispatchers at our call centers in Roseville and Rochester answered in 2023.
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