<![CDATA[Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation - Blog Backend (Hidden)]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:40:01 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[2025 MCPF Spring Luncheon]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:23:42 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/2025-mcpf-spring-luncheonOn May 6, 2025, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation hosted its annual Spring Luncheon fundraiser at the Town & Country Club in St. Paul.

KSTP-5’s Kevin Doran emceed the event, leading an afternoon filled with connection, conversation, and purpose. The keynote speaker, Lester Bagley, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Vikings, offered thoughtful insight into the future of policing and the role community partnerships play in meeting the challenges ahead.

Two Minnesota police chiefs shared stories that brought the Foundation’s mission to life. Chief Brady Juell of the Savage Police Department described how an MCPF community grant helped expand their Holiday Heroes (Shop with a Cop) program, creating meaningful connections between local youth and officers. Chief Pilar Stier of the Le Sueur Police Department spoke about the professional growth she experienced after receiving a scholarship to attend the 2025 Executive Training Institute. Both accounts highlighted the direct impact of MCPF support on communities and leadership in law enforcement.

More than 200 attendees and a group of generous sponsors made the event possible. Funds raised during the luncheon will help police departments across Minnesota launch or grow programs that build trust, foster community relationships, and provide training and resources that might not otherwise be possible due to budget constraints.

​The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to the event’s success. Support from attendees and sponsors strengthens policing in Minnesota and helps create safer, more connected communities.
Picture
]]><![CDATA[2025 ETI Small Agency Training Scholarship Recipients]]>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:38:37 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/2025-eti-small-agency-training-scholarship-recipients
Picture
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of law enforcement professionals across the state. One of our most impactful initiatives is the Executive Training Institute (ETI) Small Agency Training Scholarship Program. We continue to expand this scholarship, making essential training more accessible for Chiefs from small agencies.

This year, we've increased the number of scholarships to 24, reinforcing our commitment to helping smaller agencies overcome budget limitations and access critical professional development.  

ETI is a world-class annual training event and expo that draws more than 400 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota. This premier professional development opportunity features nationally recognized speakers and experts in law enforcement. ETI enhances the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of law enforcement professionals.

With approximately 170 agencies in Minnesota having 10 or fewer officers, we recognize the challenges they face in securing training opportunities. By growing this program, we're ensuring these agencies have the resources they need to serve their communities effectively.

A huge thank you to our partners, donors, and community members who make this possible! Together, we're making a lasting impact on law enforcement across Minnesota.

Congratulations to this year's ETI Small Agency Training Scholarship recipients!

2025 Recipients:
  1. Aitkin Police Department – Chief Colter Riedel
  2. Alden Police Department – Chief Glen Strom
  3. Barnesville Police Department – Chief Joel Voxland
  4. Battle Lake Police Department – Chief Eric Dison
  5. Bayport Police Deptartment – Chief Jay Jackson
  6. Belgrade Brooten Police Department – Chief Jansky
  7. Braham Police Department – Chief Kevin Stahl
  8. West Concord Police Department – Chief Shannon Boerner
  9. Clearbrook-Gonvick Police Department – Chief Ryan Solee
  10. Deer River Police Department – Chief Judd Evans
  11. Gaylord Police Department – Chief Charlie Eichten
  12. Gibbon Police Department – Chief Sara Miller
  13. Glyndon Police Department – Chief Justin Vogel​
  14. Goodview Police Department – Chief Lonnie Roloff
  15. Hokah Police Department – Chief Kaylee Inglett
  16. Le Sueur Police Department – Chief Pilar Stier
  17. Lewiston Police Department – Chief Calley Bortz
  18. Mapleton Police Department – Chief Benjamin Honsey
  19. Montgomery Police Department – Chief Nathan Hintz
  20. New Richland Police Department – Chief Tanyce Bruegger
  21. Sauk Centre Police Department – Chief Joe Jensen
  22. Walker Police Department – Chief Peter Anderley
  23. Winnebago Public Safety – Chief Nathan Goette
  24. Winthrop Police Department – Chief Logan Anderson
]]><![CDATA[2024 Community Partnership Grant Recipients]]>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:52:19 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/2024-community-partnership-grant-recipientsThe Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is proud to continue its mission of fostering community partnerships and building trust between police officers and communities across Minnesota. For the 2024 grant cycle, the Foundation is pleased to announce the approval of a record number of Community Partnership Grants.

This year's grants will support new initiatives and expand ongoing programs, demonstrating the dynamic and evolving nature of law enforcement's commitment to fostering meaningful community relationships. After carefully reviewing applications, the Foundation awarded 36 grants to support 48 agencies in strengthening their partnerships with the communities they serve.

Congratulations to the following agencies that received Community Partnership Grants:
  • Aitkin PD - Community Policing Engagement Projects
  • Belle Plaine PD - Hooks Lines and Heroes Fishing Derby
  • Blooming Prairie PD - Elder Scam and Senior Fraud Abuse Awareness
  • Bloomington PD - Trivia with Teens
  • Braham PD - Pin Pals
  • Brooklyn Center PD - Community Open House (Spring 2025)
  • Burnsville PD - Teen Academy
  • Cambridge PD - Youth Bike Rodeo
  • Champlin PD - Police Explorer Post 999
  • Corcoran PD - Coffee and Conversations with Cops
  • Cottage Grove PD - Youth Academy
  • Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Audubon, Lake Park PDs: Shop with a Cop
  • Eagan PD - Youth Leadership Academy
  • Edina PD - School District Collaboration on Discipline
  • Glencoe PD - Community Events
  • Glyndon PD - Community Outreach
  • Inver Grove Heights PD - Cops and Bobbers
  • Lakeville PD - Crisis Care Activity Items
  • Le Sueur PD - Smart Choices Workshops
  • Lewiston PD - Community Outreach Initiative
  • Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie PDs - Youth Domestic Violence Prevention Education
  • Mendota Heights PD - 2020 Project
  • New Brighton DPS - Peace Keepers Program & Cyber Safety Class
  • New Hope PD - Santa Parade
  • Starbuck, Glenwood PDs, Pope Co. Sheriff's Office - Cops and Kids
  • Prior Lake PD - Bike Rodeo Safety Program
  • Red Wing, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, Goodhue Co. Sheriff's Office: Skate with a Cop
  • Richfield PD - Pizza with Police
  • Robbinsdale PD/Hennepin Co. JCPP: Youth Builders at Robbinsdale Middle School
  • Saint Paul Park PD - Community Engagement and Outreach
  • Saint Peter PD - Community Thread
  • Sartell PD - National Night Out
  • Savage PD - Holiday Heroes
  • Waite Park PD - Free Shredding and Drug Take Back Event
  • West Concord PD - National Night Out
  • Wyoming PD - Multicultural Advisory Committee Food Truck Festival (2025)

Thank you to all of the corporate sponsors and donors who supported MCPF, allowing them to grant meaningful community partnership grants to many of our police agencies throughout the state.
Picture
]]><![CDATA[2024 MCPF Spring Luncheon]]>Wed, 29 May 2024 14:26:07 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/2024-mcpf-spring-luncheonThe Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation is proud to share the highlights of our annual Spring Luncheon fundraiser, held at the Town & Country Club in St. Paul on May 8.

Emceed by Julie Nelson of KARE 11, the afternoon kicked off with anticipation and a clear sense of purpose. Attendees were treated to a captivating keynote address by Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, whose forward-looking insights into the future of policing set an engaging tone for the event.

The efforts of MCPF showed in the inspiring stories shared by Sergeant Gregg Nordby and Chief Bill Steiner from Coon Rapids P.D. and Chief Pilar Stier from Le Sueur. Coon Rapids P.D. illuminated the transformative impact of the Foundation's community grant on their Cops and Cardinals initiative, showcasing the impact of collaborative, community-driven policing endeavors. Chief Stier's testimony exhibited the influence of receiving a scholarship to attend the 2024 Executive Training Institute, emphasizing the significance of continuous professional development for law enforcement leaders.

These stories highlight the difference our collective efforts make in the lives of law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. With many police departments facing budgetary constraints, the funds raised by the Foundation play a vital role in supporting community and department programs and initiatives, ensuring that agencies have the resources they need to succeed.

We are grateful for the 250+ attendees and the generous sponsors whose unwavering support fuels our mission to strengthen policing and community relations throughout Minnesota. Their commitment to our cause is truly commendable, and it is thanks to their generosity that we can continue to make a meaningful impact in communities across the state.
​
As we reflect on the success of the Spring Luncheon, the Foundation is filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in policing, fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration for the betterment of all.
]]><![CDATA[MCPF Awards 17 ETI Scholarships to Small Agency Chiefs]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 20:54:37 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/mcpf-awards-17-eti-scholarships-to-small-agency-chiefs
Picture
Thanks to the generous supporters of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation, we are proud to award 17 Executive Training Institute (ETI) Small Agency Scholarships to dedicated Police Chiefs across the state.  ETI scholarships help remove funding barriers that often prevent small agencies in our state access to critical law enforcement training like ETI.

Executive Training Institute (ETI) is a world-class annual training event and expo that draws more than 400 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota. This premier professional development opportunity features nationally recognized speakers and experts in law enforcement. ETI  enhances the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of law enforcement professionals.

These scholarships are pivotal in meeting the Public Safety needs throughout the state and ensure equitable access to this conference.  Each department that applied has fewer than ten officers and considerable budget and training constraints. 

By empowering police chiefs with knowledge and skills and removing barriers, we help ensure agency leaders have the education and training needed to keep our communities safe.

Congratulations to the 2024 scholarship recipients:
  1. Arlington Police Department  - Chief Glenn Gerads
  2. Barnesville Police Department - Chief Joel Voxland
  3. Belgrade/Brooten Police Department - Chief Casey Jansky
  4. Braham Police Department - Chief Kevin Stahl
  5. Clearbrook - Gonvick Police Department - Chief Ryan Solee
  6. Deerwood Police Department - Chief Mark Taylor
  7. Foley Police Department - Chief Katie McMillin
  8. Glyndon Police Department - Chief JustinVogel
  9. Goodview Police Department - Chief Lonnie Roloff
  10. Janesville Police Department - Chief Steven Johnson
  11. Le Sueur Police Department - Chief Pilar Stier
  12. ​New Richland Police Department - Chief Tanyce Bruegger
  13. Olivia Police Department - Chief Jason Krumheuer
  14. Pine River Police Department - Chief Paul Sand
  15. Royalton Police Department - Chief Jason McDonald
  16. Silver Bay Police Department - Chief Cole Ernest
  17. St. Charles Police Department - Chief Jose Pelaez

The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation continues to raise funds to support the provision of future scholarship opportunities to local police chiefs and their agencies.

]]><![CDATA[Foundation Funds $25K in Community Partnership Grants]]>Tue, 10 Oct 2023 02:33:10 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/foundation-funds-25k-in-community-partnership-grantsPicture
MCPF is proud to award $25,000 in Community Partnership Grants to 13 Minnesota Police Departments to help advance trust, transparency, and stronger partnerships between police and communities across the state. 

The following police agencies were awarded community grand funds:
  1. Starbuck Police Dept. - Starbuck "Night to Unite" Celebration
  2. Minnesota Lake Police Dept. - Safer Community Program
  3. Clearbrook-Gonvick Police Dept. - 3rd Grade Bicycle Safety Day and Event
  4. Farmington Police Dept. - Bike Helmet Safety Campaign
  5. Owatonna Police Dept. – Coptober
  6. Belgrade/Brooten Police Dept. - L.E.A.D Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence Program
  7. North Branch Police Dept. – Coffee, Cocoa and Pop with a Cop Program
  8. La Crescent Police Dept. - National Night Out
  9. Rochester Police Dept. - Driver's Education Mentoring Program
  10. Saint Peter Police Dept. - Saint Peter Community Thread
  11. Woodbury Public Safety Dept. - Woodbury Police Multicultural Advisory Committee
  12. New Brighton Dept. of Public Safety in collaboration with Mounds View Police Dept. - Police Dogz
  13. Menahga Police Department - National Night Out 2024 and other school-related events

First-time projects were prioritized over repeat projects. Repeat projects were prioritized if they featured notable expansions or critical needs. Grant funding decisions were made by the MCPF's Board of Directors, independent of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.

The Foundation will offer additional grant opportunities to police departments in the future as funds are raised from generous donors from the community. We are on our way toward making a statewide impact. We look forward to hearing all the positive stories from our grant recipients!
]]><![CDATA[MCPF Hosts VIP Training Experience]]>Tue, 10 Oct 2023 02:12:27 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/mcpf-hosts-vip-training-experience​On September 21, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) and Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) held a networking event and VIP training experience at the Maple Grove Police Department's North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. Nearly 30 corporate leaders from the metro region were provided a real-life experience of modern police training. Attendees actively participated in reality-based training, a virtual simulator experience, and a firearms range experience. It was an excellent opportunity for the public and private sectors to partner, develop relationships, and understand 21st-century police training that prepares highly trained officers to meet the challenges faced in their communities.
 
Thank you to the City of Maple Grove and Mayor Mark Steffenson for providing opening comments for the event and welcoming corporate leaders. Thank you also for the training staff of the Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Brooklyn Park police departments, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility for creating a high-quality and professional experience for attendees.
]]><![CDATA[MCPF Hosts Successful Fundraising Luncheon]]>Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:41:00 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/mcpf-hosts-successful-fundraising-luncheonOn May 3rd, 2023, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) hosted a successful fundraiser luncheon, raising an impressive $145,000 to support their work and, most significantly, their Community Partnerships Grant Program. The event was a significant milestone for MCPF, marking its first fundraising event since the pandemic. Attendees, including those from well-known sponsoring organizations, were eager to come together and support the Foundation's mission to advance high quality, effective policing and strengthen police-community relations in Minnesota through training, outreach, grants and scholarships.

The luncheon took place at Town & Country Club in St. Paul and was emceed by Julie Nelson, a respected news anchor from Kare 11. Her engaging presence and professionalism added an extra touch of excellence to the luncheon.
 
A highly valuable aspect of the fundraiser was the opportunity for attendees to network with over 30 local police chiefs before and after the event. This allowed the participants to connect with key figures in law enforcement, fostering dialogue and understanding between the community and the police.
 
Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner shared how his agency benefitted from the Foundation's Community Partnership Grant program by hosting a community meeting that focused on fair and impartial policing. These types of community-focused engagement events are helping to build deeper trust and greater transparency between police and communities across the state.
 
One of the event's highlights was the keynote by David Horsager, a nationally renowned best-selling author of "The Trust Edge." Horsager's expertise in building trust and credibility resonated with the attendees, and his keynote speech captivated the audience, providing valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of trust in law enforcement.
 
This fundraiser luncheon was a resounding success only made possible by the generous sponsoring organizations. Their unwavering support will give MCPF the resources to act on their initiatives and provide more community grants that will directly impact agencies and their communities, statewide.
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Foundation Issues Grants to 16 Police Departments in Inaugural Grant Program Launch]]>Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:14:11 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/foundation-issues-grants-to-16-police-departments-in-inaugural-grant-program-launch
Picture

Foundation Issues Grants to 16 Police Departments in
​Inaugural Grant Program Launch

One of the priorities of the MN Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is to advance community partnerships and help build trust between police officers and communities in the state of Minnesota. The Community Partnerships Grant Program launched in late 2022 with this in mind. 

MCPF received grant applications from 29 police departments. While we could not fund all 29 projects (due to limited resources), we are proud to have supported 16 police department projects that will help them work toward strengthening their partnerships with the communities they serve.

First time projects were prioritized over repeat projects. Repeat projects were prioritized if they featured notable expansions or critical need.*
Grant Recipients - 1Q 2023
  1. Blaine PD - Community Outreach Trailer, to offer mobile activities at events to connect with kids and overall community
  2. Bloomington PD - Youth Citizens Academy for high school students
  3. Foley PD - Fun with Police program, teaching kids 10 and under kindness, anti-bullying, with a tour of the police department
  4. Glyndon PD - Afterschool program reaching at-risk youth, in partnership with a local thrift store
  5. Willmar PD - Paws on Patrol program, partnering with, educating, training and engaging dog owners to participate in crime prevention and quality of life issues
  6. Virginia PD - Shop with a Cop program, where Blue Santas will deliver holiday gifts to children
  7. Lower Sioux PD - First time National Night Out, a community outreach event for the Lower Sioux Indian community
  8. Maple Grove PD - Fair & Impartial Policing Community Session, offering community members an opportunity to experience the training program Maple Grove PD officers go through on the topic of bias, prejudice and cultural competency
  9. Coon Rapids PD - Cops & Cardinals program, a youth outreach program where cops are paired with high school students for 1:1 mentoring
  10. Akeley PD - National Night Out, expanding this annual outreach event with the addition of a scavenger hunt and school supplies/backpack giveaway in order to broaden reach
  11. Faribault PD - Safe Summer Kick Off, an outreach event in partnership with the school district and nonprofits
  12. Belle Plaine PD - School Partnership Program, focused on bringing new internet safety presentations to classrooms
  13. Blue Earth PD - New Police Activities League program, funding various educational and relationship building activities between police and kids
  14. West St. Paul PD - Badges and Bobbers, a new outreach and mentorship event where police officers take at-risk youth fishing, in partnership with a local nonprofit
  15. Hopkins PD - SPEEDS program, a new community outreach program offering traffic safety education as a way to build new partnerships with multi-cultural residents who may be unfamiliar with MN laws
  16. Sartell PD - Movie in the Park with Police, a first time event designed as a relationship cultivation event with youth
The Foundation will offer additional grant opportunities to police departments in the future as funds are raised from generous donors from the community. We are on our way toward making statewide impact as we enable our police departments to build trust, transparency and stronger community partnerships. We look forward to hearing all the positive stories from our grant recipients in the next several months!

*Grant funding decisions were made by the MN Chiefs of Police Foundation Board of Directors, independent of the MN Chiefs of Police Association.

Would you like to support the MCPF Community Partnerships Grant Program?
DONATE NOW
]]><![CDATA[MCPF Receives $20,000 Donation from Heart Ministry & Hosanna Church]]>Wed, 02 Mar 2022 03:16:12 GMThttps://www.mnchiefsfoundation.org/blog/mcpf-receives-20000-donation-from-heart-ministry-hosanna-churchPicture
MCPF is grateful to be the recipient of a generous $20,000 donation from Hosanna Church and their Heart Ministry out of Shakopee MN. Heart Ministry is very active in the community and has partnered with the Shakopee Police Department for various community events over the years, such as picnics with the police. When the pastor asked Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate what else their group can do to help, the Chief pointed out the need for community outreach projects and additional training in other smaller police departments across the state. The congregation stepped up and gave. Thank you to Chief Tate for connecting MCPF to the generosity of Heart Ministry. Gifts like this help MCPF help Minnesota police departments advance community partnerships and offer critical training for police leaders. Would you like to also give to this mission? Donate Today (hyperlink inserted here)

]]>