Autobiography

Back to Homepage

Autobiography

I was born in October of 1974 in Seattle, Washington, but my life has always been shaped by Minnesota. My earliest memories are not of one single place, but of movement—of growing up in several towns, adapting to new environments, and learning early how to observe people and situations carefully. That constant change quietly taught me resilience, independence, and awareness, qualities that would later define my professional life. By the time my mother and I settled in northern Minnesota, I had already learned how to adjust, listen, and take responsibility for myself.

I spent much of my childhood in communities like Boy River, Longville, and eventually Grand Rapids. Public School did not come easily to me but it forced me to mature quickly. While that was sometimes uncomfortable, it reinforced an important lesson: growth often comes from being pushed beyond what feels familiar. I attended Grand Rapids Middle School and later Grand Rapids Senior High School, graduating in 1993. During those years, I developed a strong work ethic through part-time jobs and responsibilities that grounded me in reality early on.

Work has always been part of my identity. As a teenager, I delivered newspapers and worked maintenance and freight jobs. These weren’t glamorous roles, but they taught me accountability and the value of showing up every day ready to work. After high school, I attended Hibbing Community College, where I pursued an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement. That time was transformative. I was not only learning the technical and legal foundations of policing, but also discipline, teamwork, and professionalism. I took pride in wearing the uniform, earning recognition for drill team performance, and receiving a scholarship. When I graduated in 1995, I knew I had chosen a profession rooted in service.

My early career involved a mix of seasonal and part-time law enforcement roles that exposed me to a wide range of environments. I worked as a seasonal park ranger at Itasca State Park, then as a seasonal law enforcement ranger with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. These experiences reinforced my respect for public lands, public safety, and calm decision-making in unpredictable situations. I also worked loss prevention at Kmart, which sharpened my observational skills and understanding of human behavior—skills that proved invaluable later in my career.

In 1996, I became Chief of Police for the City of Echo, Minnesota. I was young for the position, but I took the responsibility seriously. That role taught me leadership under constraint—how to balance enforcement with community relationships, how to manage limited resources, and how to lead by example. At the same time, I worked part-time as a police officer in Granite Falls, further broadening my experience and perspective. These years were demanding, but they laid the foundation for everything that followed.

In 2000, I accepted the position of Chief of Police for the City of Canby, Minnesota, a role I would hold for the next twenty years. Serving a community of roughly 2,000 people, I oversaw a department of full-time and part-time officers while navigating the realities of tight budgets and diverse community needs. Canby was home to a school district, a hospital, a technical college, agricultural businesses, and a significant senior population. Each group brought different expectations and challenges, and it was my responsibility to ensure public safety while maintaining trust.

Those twenty years shaped me more than any other period of my life. I learned that effective policing is not about authority alone, but about communication, consistency, and empathy. De-escalation became one of my strongest tools. I worked closely with city leadership, community members, and regional partners to solve problems before they escalated. I also served part-time as a Deputy Sheriff with the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office, which kept me connected to county-level operations and broadened my operational experience.

Education remained important to me throughout my career. I earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Minnesota West Community and Technical College, graduating with honors. Later, I pursued Computer Science coursework at Dakota State University. Technology has always interested me, and I believe strongly that modern law enforcement—and security more broadly—must understand and adapt to technological change. Over the years, I developed proficiency in computer systems, programming, electronics, and communications.

Eventually, life brought me back to my hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Returning felt like coming full circle. In 2021, I joined the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team as a volunteer, combining my commitment to public service with technical skill and teamwork. That role reminded me that service does not end with a job title—it is a mindset.

In addition to my law enforcement career, I have taken on seasonal and community-focused roles that reflect my belief in service at every level. I worked as a seasonal park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pokegama Dam, where I assisted visitors, conducted interpretive programs, and supported emergency response efforts. I also became a seasonal school bus driver for Independent School District 318, ensuring the safety of students each day. These roles may seem modest compared to being a police chief, but they are deeply meaningful to me. They keep me connected to my community and grounded in everyday responsibility.

In 2024, after more than two decades as a police chief, I transitioned into corporate security with Miner’s Incorporated, based in Hermantown, Minnesota. This change marked a new chapter—one where I could apply decades of leadership, risk management, and problem-solving experience in a different environment. It was not a departure from my values, but an evolution of them.

Outside of work, my greatest pride is my family. My wife, Tiffany, our son, Andrew, and our Labrador retriever, Willow, are the center of my life. We live on the Wendigo arm of Pokegama Lake in Harris Township, just south of Grand Rapids. Life on the lake offers perspective, balance, and peace—things that are essential after years in high-stress professions. Whether it’s watching the seasons change, spending time outdoors, or simply being present with my family, these moments matter deeply to me.

Looking back, my life has been defined by service, adaptability, and continuous learning. From moving frequently as a child, to leading police departments, to embracing technology and community-based roles, each experience has built upon the last. I do not measure success by rank or title alone, but by integrity, reliability, and the ability to leave things better than I found them. My journey is still ongoing, but the values that guide me—duty, curiosity, and commitment to others—remain constant.

End of blog. Thank you for reading!