In this issue:
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OPS and OSSO: Offices form new division led by Jonathan Wolfgram as director
- HSEM: September is National Preparedness Month
- BCA: Redoubling commitment to serve southern Minnesota
- DPS: How we're redesigning our spaces to better serve Minnesotans
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Commissioner's Corner: Bar owners, be diligent about checking for fake IDs
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Featured social media
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is taking another step toward strengthening public safety by bringing together the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and the Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) to form a new division.
As the work of these offices continued to grow, the need for a dedicated leader became clear. Bringing these two offices together into a new division will help streamline efforts and better support their important work.
Previously, OPS was part of the State Fire Marshal division, where it was led by Jonathan Wolfgram as deputy director. With the creation of the new division, Wolfgram has been named director. He brings extensive experience, having served as interim program manager for OSSO, chief engineer and deputy director for OPS since 2013.
Director Wolfgram will lead efforts in pipeline inspections, utility damage prevention and light rail safety oversight, all with the goal of keeping Minnesotans safe.
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This year’s theme for National Preparedness Month is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” It’s all about the basics and steps to keep your family safe in an emergency.
Preparedness doesn’t have to be costly. Many small steps are free and can make a big difference when it matters most.
Here are four easy ways to get started:
- Know your risk
Find out what disasters are most likely where you live.
- Make a family plan
Know how you’ll connect and where you’ll go if you can’t be at home.
- Build a supply kit
Keep food, water, medicine and other essentials on hand.
- Get involved
Take a first aid class or get trained on basic disaster response skills.
Find more resources at Homeland Security and Emergency Management's National preparedness month webpage.
Image of the planned Bureau of Criminal Apprehension office and laboratory in Mankato.
When a crime happens in a Minnesota community, time is of the essence. Getting there quickly and getting information about what happened can help the local law enforcement agency solve the crime faster and restore safety to the community.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) new regional office and laboratory in southern Minnesota will help cut the time needed to get evidence to testing.
Find out more about the new BCA facility in the Safety Matters blog.
 The Itasca Room is an example of a space that will be redesigned for inclusiveness.
At DPS, creating spaces where employees feel respected, connected and supported isn’t just about improving the workplace. It directly impacts the people we serve. Doing so influences collaboration, creativity and productivity.
Belonging isn’t just a feeling. It’s the foundation for better service.
Visit the Safety Matters blog to learn how inclusive spaces lead to stronger teamwork and more supportive communities across Minnesota.
College kids are back, let the fun (and learning) begin. Pizza, movies, new roommates, talking and studying to all hours of the night — there are so many college-life experiences. For some, that may include trying to get into a bar with a fake ID.
If you’re a bar owner, protect your business, customers and students from the risks of underage drinking. Be diligent about checking for fake IDs and help prevent potential tragedy.
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