C-Notes: December 19, 2025
Executive Director Report
As we approach the close of another year, we want to take a moment to extend our sincere gratitude to each of you for your leadership, dedication, and service to the communities you serve across Minnesota.
This past year has brought both challenges and opportunities, and your professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public safety have continued to set a strong example for the law enforcement profession. Through collaboration, innovation, and steady leadership, you have helped strengthen trust and advance excellence in policing throughout our state.
On behalf of the Association, we wish you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, rest, and time with loved ones. May the coming year bring good health, renewed energy, and continued success—both personally and professionally.
Thank you for all that you do, and we look forward to working together in the year ahead.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Nominations Open for 2026 MCPA Statewide Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the MCPA Statewide Awards, which recognize exceptional service, bravery, innovation, and sacrifice in law enforcement across Minnesota. Awards will be presented during the Executive Training Institute (ETI) Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in St. Cloud.
The MCPA Statewide Awards honor law enforcement professionals and community members whose actions reflect the highest standards of service and commitment. Award categories include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, Lifesaving, Citizen’s Valor, and Police Cross.
Full descriptions and eligibility criteria for each award category are available at mnchiefs.org/statewide-awards.
All nominations must be submitted by January 30, 2026, to be considered. Award decisions will be finalized by the end of February, with nominators notified shortly thereafter. Nominations can be submitted online.
ETI Opening and Closing Sessions
The 2026 Executive Training Institute will open and close with two powerful sessions that address recent tragedies and the critical lessons they hold for law enforcement leadership.
ETI will begin on Monday, April 13, with a session focused on lessons learned from the homicides of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman.
The conference will conclude on Thursday, April 16, with a presentation reflecting on the Burnsville tragedy, in which two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic were killed in the line of duty, and a police sergeant was shot and injured.
Registration is now open, and the full schedule will be available soon.
ETI Small & Rural Agency Scholarship
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) is offering 20 scholarships of $1,000 each to help small and rural agencies send their chiefs or designees to ETI 2026. The Foundation approved this funding at its December board meeting, and applications are now being accepted.
Eligible agencies are encouraged to apply early and take advantage of this support. Full details and links to the ETI event page, scholarship information, and the application form are available below.
We want to thank the MCPF Board and all of the generous corporate and individual donors for their hard work and commitment to supporting our members’ training, development, and access to programming.
Scholarship applications are due January 9, 2026.
MCPF Fall/Winter Newsletter
The latest Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF) Fall/Winter newsletter is out! It includes updates on the Foundation’s work across the state, highlights from the Community Partnerships Grant Program, and details on the $100,000 awarded to departments this year to support relationship-building efforts. You’ll also find stories like the Richfield Police Department’s Pizza with Police event, which brought officers and community members together, along with information about the upcoming 2026 Benefit Luncheon, the Foundation’s primary fundraiser that supports these programs.
MCPA Peer Support Program
MCPA is developing a new Peer Support Program designed specifically for Chiefs and Command Staff. While peer support is essential to overall wellness, many agency programs do not include CLEOs or Command Staff in their internal structures. MCPA is committed to filling that gap by offering a dedicated, confidential, and well-supported resource for Minnesota’s law enforcement leaders.
We encourage Chiefs and Command Staff to consider joining this team and completing the upcoming peer support training.
- Dates: February 25–27, 2026
- Schedule: Wednesday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., plus 6 hours of required online coursework prior to the in-person sessions
- Location: New Brighton Department of Public Safety
- Cost: $275 per person
- POST Credit: Approved for 30 CEUs (in-person) and compliant with Minnesota Statute §181.9731 (Public Safety Peer Counseling)
Lunch will be provided Wednesday through Friday, along with daily snacks. Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle; filling stations will be available on site.
Visit the Peer Support event page for more information.
LEMA Honor Guard
The Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) Honor Guard is searching for new honor guard members. The organization is looking for motivated, ambitious, and selfless individuals who have a strong desire to honor Minnesota’s men and women who die in the line of duty.
The Honor Guard is comprised of police officers from across the state. Members perform at full honors funerals, police memorial events, and other events as called upon. Honor Guard members train monthly and for one week each September at Camp Ripley. While this is a large commitment, it is arguably one of the most rewarding assignments one can have.
Interested applicants should visit www.mnlema.org for more information about LEMA and to complete an application. The online applications can be found under the Honor Guard tab on the home page. We will be taking applications through December 31, 2025.
Questions related to the honor guard, the application process, and the requirements should be directed to MN LEMA Honor Guard Commander Dave Holmquist at david.holmquist@state.mn.us or cell phone 320-894-8579.
City of Shakopee Hiring Police Chief
The City of Shakopee is seeking its next Police Chief, a forward-thinking and community-focused leader to guide the department and advise city leadership on public safety. This is an excellent opportunity to serve a growing, diverse community with a strong commitment to professional policing.
Candidates must hold a valid Minnesota POST license, possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and have at least five years of supervisory law enforcement experience, including at least one year at the division-commander level (Lieutenant or above). The salary range is $79.62 to $97.47 per hour.
More details and application instructions are available at https://tinyurl.com/mtcktjd7.
Membership Renewal Notices Sent
MCPA sent membership renewal notices to all members on December 2. As you plan for the new year, please take a moment to review your invoice and submit your renewal. Dues can be paid by check, ACH, or credit card, and agencies that need to process payment after January 1 are welcome to do so. Please note that all dues should be received by January 31, 2026.
Your continued membership supports the work of the Association, including professional development programs, legislative advocacy, region outreach, and ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership and training opportunities for Minnesota law enforcement.
If you have questions about your renewal or need help accessing your invoice, please contact info@mnchiefs.org.
Discounted Gophers Tickets for First Responders
The University of Minnesota Athletics Department is offering discounted tickets to upcoming First Responder Appreciation Games:
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Nov. 1: Football vs. Michigan State -
Nov. 11: Women’s Basketball vs. Marquette -
Jan. 17: Men’s Hockey vs. Michigan
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Feb. 28: Men’s Basketball vs. UCLA
The first 50 football purchasers receive VIP Halftime Tunnel access, and all football ticket holders can go on the field after the game. The first 50 men’s hockey purchasers get a VIP Locker Room Tour.