Not your typical day in the Deputy Academy!

Our RCSO Deputy recruits spent their day recently at two Habitat For Humanity projects in metro-area neighborhoods. Our newest members assembled shelving, painted, put up drywall, and cleared debris from the construction sites.

At least one day spent in community service has been incorporated into our Deputy Academy curriculum, making for a special opportunity to serve, connect with communities, and some good 'ol group bonding.

Scouting Day is an annual event where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts learn about Ramsey County public safety agencies.

In February, youth and families spent a morning of fun with our deputies and volunteers from Crime Prevention, DARE, K-9, SWAT, Dive Team, Explorers, Community Support Services, CERT, Reserves, Public Works, Emergency Management, Allina Ambulance, Lake Johanna Fire Department, Army National Guard and the Salvation Army.

Great work by Deputy Tony Pederson who recently wrapped up a battery of intensive coursework through the Institute for Credible Leadership Development (ICLD), which was sponsored by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. The coursework included such topics as conflict management, interpersonal communication, versatility skills, and organization development. Deputy Pederson is the second RCSO member to complete the rigorous ICLD coursework.

Our deputies are often asked to step forward and take on challenges and roles that they may never have anticipated during the Academy ...including the role of TV personality.

Last week, Sergeant Kirkland and Deputy Hill filmed clips for the CTV North Suburbs show "North Suburban Beat," and shared some great stories about mentorship, women in law enforcement, and community policing. Look for the shows to begin airing March 26th.

(And a special thanks to our friends at the City of Falcon Heights Fire Department for the location backdrop!)

IN MEMORY ~

LIEUTENANT EARL KENNICUTT

On March 2, 1988, RCSO Lieutenant Earl Kennicutt died of a heart attack while on-duty.

Lieutenant Kennicutt was a 28-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and had been serving as a patrol operations lieutenant since 1986. He was instrumental in helping to develop the first field training operation for patrol deputies and continued to work closely with the patrol training operation for the last several years of his career.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Vasquez, who heads up our citizen resource center, was surprised with an impromptu recognition ceremony recently for reaching an awesome milestone – 30 years of service to Ramsey County!

Sheriff Serier presented Lupe with a Certificate of Recognition, thanked him for his 30 years of service, and said, “Your dedication to this agency is known far and wide.”

Lupe’s response to receiving this recognition was to turn around and sing the praises of his co-workers and crew! A humble man with a true heart of service.

Thank you Lupe for your dedication to our community!

We truly appreciate the note we received from Little Canada City Council Member Tom Fischer who gave us feedback on our response to a burglary in-progress in Little Canada a few weeks ago:

"Thank you for the great work and safe outcome last night! I appreciate your prompt and professional service as you resolved a dangerous situation without incident. I also note your compassion for the victims of this crime; making arrangements to ensure the home remained secure until the homeowners could return...Please pass along my thanks to all that were involved in this call. Thanks to all for your great service!"

Apply now through April 1st for the April 2018 Reserve Deputy Academy.

Reserve Deputies are volunteers who serve in our Water Patrol Unit. After completing training, Reserve Deputies work alongside other RCSO members to:

• Patrol parks, trails, lakes, and rivers.
• Assist with major events and activities.
• Provide traffic and crowd control.
• Engage in crime prevention and community policing programs.
• Represent the RCSO at community events.
• Respond to emergency call outs.
• Conduct water safety inspections.
• Assist with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firearms, snowmobile, and ATV youth training classes.

Find full details, requirements, and application materials at goo.gl/9UBuJ9.

Apply now for the first annual Women’s Academy, June 11-15, 2018.

The Women’s Academy is a week-long immersive course for female participants, ages 18-55, to experience the day-to-day activities, training methods, and members of the Sheriff’s Office, with additional time devoted to field work, volunteerism, and engagement in our contract communities. Up to 25 participants may join the Women’s Academy, which is free of charge.

Graduates of the Women’s Academy will receive guidance from the Sheriff’s Office recruitment team in finding and applying for opportunities and careers in law enforcement and public service.

Find full details and application materials at goo.gl/mQ5Mi7

Join your neighbors and Ramsey County Deputies in the Town Square Community Room, 1550 Larpenteur Avenue, Falcon Heights for coffee, Somali tea, and conversation!

No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know us and your neighbors a little better.

Questions? Please contact Deputy Mike Servatka at mike.servatka@co.ramsey.mn.us