Spring 2021 Hometown Messenger

CHIEF’S NOTES

The recent winter storms in Texas have sparked questions and comments from residents about being prepared for disasters. The key is very simple: Have a plan. We often hear from people “I never thought it would happen here or to me” and that thinking pertains to all kinds of things, such as natural disasters, mass shootings, fires, power outages, etc. Your thinking really should be "When it happens to me, will I be ready?” Have a plan! Some people think having a plan and being prepared is a

daunting task and would be impossible to prepare for every scenario. The truth is a basic emergency preparedness plan will work for most emergencies. A couple excellent sites to assist with emergency planning are www.

POLICE COLLECT 38,866 DIAPERS DURING ANNUAL DRIVE The Shakopee Police Department collected more than 38,000 diapers, wipes and creams for the Shakopee Community Assistance diaper bank in February. Our thanks especially to CertainTeed and Palmer Bus Co., which both made big donations toward the drive. This is the fifth annual diaper drive, which is held in memory of Janna Wood, a former department employee who passed away in 2017.

Shakopee Fire Chief Rick Coleman

NEWS & NOTES Bengtson named Officer of the Year

ready.gov/plan or the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org . These sites list very easy to follow steps for creating a plan and offer many tools and techniques to help. To summarize: • Make sure you can receive emergency alerts and warnings. • Have a shelter plan. • Plan an evacuation route. • Plan how your family/household will

Officer Nick Bengtson was selected as the 2020 Shakopee Police Officer of the Year. Bengtson, a six-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his leadership, work ethic, positive attitude and the example he sets for younger officers at the department. He was also recognized for a multi-jurisdictional burglary investigation. In 2020, Officer Bengtson had many roles in the department. He was a patrol officer, field training officer and a member of the proactive policing unit. Bengtson upholds the mission of the Shakopee Police Department and is an excellent representation of this award. New officer sworn into office

communicate in an emergency. • Consider specific needs for your household (e.g., medicines). • Keep the plan updated. • Practice the plan.

Nicholas Bengtson

The Shakopee Police Department welcomed its newest patrol officer, Caitlin Schumacher, in February. Schumacher was previously a records specialist with Savage Police Department before becoming a licensed Minnesota peace officer.

After you have the plan in place, it’s critical to practice it with your family. We teach this to families in preparation for smoke or fire in their home. Have an escape plan with two different ways out and a designated meeting location for your family and practice that plan often. Following this technique will ensure the plan works and your family is prepared. If you need any assistance please reach out to us at the Fire Department by email at firesafety@ShakopeeMN.gov or by phone at 952-233-9570.

Lock It, Shakopee numbers In 2020, the Shakopee Police Department launched the Lock It, Shakopee campaign aimed at reducing thefts in Shakopee. The campaign targeted those thefts that are the easiest to prevent, including thefts from unlocked vehicles and homes. While our final numbers show a reduction in all categories, the department says we still have more work to do. “We cannot stress enough that these are crimes of opportunity. Cars left unlocked or left with valuables in plain view are easy targets,” said Police Chief Jeff Tate. “Please, take the time to do your part and help stop these crimes from occurring.”

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