Candidates for the 2024 MCPA Board of Directors

Chief Terry Stier
Belle Plaine Police Department
Scott County

Running for: Third Vice President

Why are you applying?
I have served on the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Board of Directors since being elected in 2021. I am asking for your vote as I am running for third Vice President. During my time with MCPA, I have taken on any task that was offered, including Chairing the MCPA ETI Conference, the POST Board Ensuring Police Excellence and Improving Community Relations Advisory Council, and the Local Representative Criminal Justice Information Systems Advisory Policy Board. I look forward to continuing these tasks while taking on the role of third Vice President.

What are your priorities?
My priority has always been to be a voice for the small to mid-size law enforcement agencies across our state. My priority as your 3rd Vice President will be to remove the stigma that the MCPA only works for the metro agencies. After serving on the board for the last three years, this is simply not true. Our current board and executive director make decisions that improve statewide policing. We are all in this together, no matter how big or small your agency is. Over the last three years, I believe the stigma is diminishing due to initiatives set forward by the MCPA Board. My goal is to bridge gaps between agencies and ensure that relationships are not based on size or geographic location.

What are your professional contributions?
While working on the Board, I took every opportunity offered to further the mission of MCPA. I participated in Twin Cities Security Partnership Meetings, the Leadership Summit on Impaired Driving, and recently, the Law Enforcement Opioid Summit. I assist with MCPA Leadership Academy and CLEO and Command Trainings to make connections and support MCPA initiatives. I have built relationships with many police and sheriff's departments across the state and will always be there when needed.

What are your credentials?
I started my career in Law Enforcement in 2003, was promoted to Investigator in 2008, Sergeant in 2015, and Chief in 2020. I have a passion for learning, training, and walking through career doors that open into areas that offer new objectives or something unfamiliar so I can learn and move forward humbly.  MCPA has opened many doors for my career path, and I have learned to take on any given task and complete it to the best of my abilities.  I give back by assisting with trainings, summits, and meetings and offering suggestions that I feel will move MCPA forward.  Thank you for this opportunity, and I would appreciate your vote for the position of MCPA 3rd Vice President.

Chief Brian Mueller
Stillwater Police Department
Washington County

Running for: Sergeant-at-Arms (1-year term)

Why are you applying?
I currently serve as the Sergeant at Arms for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police. I am excited to continue in this role, working for all Chiefs of Police in the State of Minnesota. I am proud to be in this profession and want to be part of the innovation that comes with the changing times and expectations. I feel that law enforcement needs a strong collective voice now more than ever. I am running to continue as MCPA Sergeant at Arms to continue the great work that this association has already done.

What are your priorities?
My priorities with the Association have not changed in the last year. First, I believe we should collectively serve as support and a voice for all chiefs in the state. I have worked for small and large agencies, and I realize some of the differences in resources and access. I intend to be that voice for all agencies in the state, especially the smaller agencies. Regular communication is the key to success, and I will work to ensure that. Secondly, I know that our profession is facing some challenges in the way of legislative action. I want to continue the involvement that MCPA has had on the front end. We can have great influence in the Capital, helping stop harmful legislation and being a partner in positive changes. Lastly, I am a huge proponent of the training provided by MCPA. The work that MCPA does to educate our profession and develop our leaders is needed now more than ever, and I hope to continue that.

What are your professional contributions?
I am honored to serve as the Chair for Region 11 (Washington County). I have previously worked with MCPA during my time as the Washington County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy on legislative issues such as forfeiture reform, marijuana legalization and Drug Task Force Funding. I have seen the influence that the Law Enforcement Coalition brings to the Capital when presenting as a unified voice. I have previously presented on law enforcement response to suicidal individuals for MCPA. I am the past president of the Special Operations Training Association of Minnesota (SOTA). I have also served as the Chair of the Violent Crime Coordinating Council (VCCC), which oversees the state's Violent Crime Enforcement Teams (VCETs). I recently represented the state Chiefs of Police and the state Sheriffs on the Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder Task Force. Currently, I am appointed to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission

What are your credentials?
I have 26 years of law enforcement experience serving three different agencies as an Officer/Deputy, Narcotics Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Drug Task Force Commander, SWAT Operator/TL/Commander, Investigative and Patrol Commander, Chief Deputy, and Stillwater Police Chief. I received my B.A. in Criminal Justice, a minor in Business Administration, and an M.A. in Police Leadership and Education from the University of St. Thomas.

Chief Jim Franklin
Rochester Police Department
Olmsted County

Running for: Director (3-year term - two positions open)

Why are you applying?
I have had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the past three years. I am seeking a second term driven by my desire and genuine interest in making a positive impact on law enforcement within this state. Having served on the board, I have seen firsthand the importance and impact that our collective voice has had in advocating for important LE issues. I have contributed to the success of the MCPA by assisting in proactively addressing these challenges head-on. I see serving on the board as an opportunity to be part of shaping the future of LE for MN.

What are your priorities?
If elected for another term, I would continue to lean into the MCPA board, advocating for three distinct priorities: speaking with one voice for MN LE, advocating for legislative funding for agencies, and defending our noble profession. The MCPA has presented a unified stance on several important issues affecting law enforcement in the state, speaking with one voice. As a board member, I have helped to foster collaboration among member police chiefs, promoting consensus-building on key policy matters and amplifying the collective voice of law enforcement in discussions with legislators, other government agencies, policymakers, and the public. Securing adequate funding and resources is essential for law enforcement agencies to fulfill legislative mandates in order to effectively address our evolving challenges. As a board member, I have played a vital role in advocating for continued funding allocations to support police training, equipment, and initiatives. Over the past several years, without a doubt MN LE agencies have faced extreme scrutiny and criticism. MCPA has served as a proactive advocate for our beloved law enforcement profession. I have contributed in assisting MCPA in responding to misconceptions and misinformation about policing practices, highlighting the positive contributions of law enforcement officers/agencies, and promoting the nobility of our profession.

What are your professional contributions?
I was a primary driver of revitalizing MCPA Region 10 chiefs' meetings, which were nonexistent five years ago. Region 10 encompasses all of the SE MN police chiefs. I initiated bi-annual meetings with all of the region 10 MCPA chiefs, fostering open communication, collaboration, and connection. As a result of these efforts, we have been able to foster a greater sense of unity amongst the SE MN chiefs, share resources, and support each other.

What are your credentials?
Master's Degree - Public Administration - Metropolitan State University
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Series (LEEDS)
Senior Management Institute for Police - (PERF--Police Executive Research Forum)
Executive Leaders Program -- Center for Homeland Defense & Security -- Naval Postgraduate School
Northwestern University -- School of Police Staff and Command.

Chief Michael Ceynowa
Duluth Police Department
St. Louis County

Running for: Director (3-year term - two positions open)

Why are you applying?
I believe in the vision, mission and values of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. I also feel strongly that it is important to have representation on the board from all regions of our state. I believe I would bring value to the board as a chief from greater Minnesota who represents a regional hub. I have worked in numerous assignments and have been a project manager several times during my 26 years with the Duluth Police Department. I feel this experience would be helpful to our organization.

What are your priorities?
If elected to the board, my priority would be the legislation that impacts our officers and our departments. I would like to see an increase in opportunities to educate our state leaders. Oftentimes, mandated training or law changes come with little or no funding, creating challenges for the already tight budgets of municipalities. There also seems to be a lack of understanding or appreciation for the level of training and education our officers have. I feel that an increased focus in this area may help to change the minds of some and create a better understanding of the challenges we all face.

What are your professional contributions?
I am a member of the MCPA, IACP, MPPOA, and PERF. I have attended numerous ETI sessions, as well as both CLEO and Command, as well as the Leadership Academy. I have found these trainings to be invaluable to my professional development. This development has occurred from the quality of materials presented and the networking opportunities these events have offered. The relationships I have built from these opportunities give me the confidence to know that most answers to questions are just a phone call away. I have also had the opportunity as a host city for ETI to be involved in event security and transportation planning for this event. I want to increase my involvement with the MCPA as I am impressed with the work the board has done to advocate for our noble profession.

What are your credentials?
Master of Science St. Cloud State University 
Public Safety Executive Leadership
Bachelor of Arts Moorhead State University 
Criminal Justice Alexandria Technical College Law Enforcement Skills
PERF Senior Management Institute for Police
IACP Leadership in Police Organizations
Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command
MN Chiefs CLEO and Command Academy
MN Chiefs Leadership Academy
Tyler Technology Public Safety Records Advisory Board 2021-2022
Human Development Center Board Member 2014-2017
Duluth Police Foundation Advisor/Developer 2010-PresentLiaison for City of Duluth's Citizen Review Board.

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