Ole Pappy

Innovative ways to police the town

Innovative ways to police the town Several years ago, Minneota had two police officers. The day came when the city council decided to cut that to one and half officers. When it came time to hire a new police chief — that ONE wasn’t so difficult to find.

Enter Police Chief Bill Bolt. But that half an officer — well, that boy has been elusive. We’ve gone through a couple dozen officers — most of whom use it as a stepping stone to another job.

Not sure how many former “half” an officer have gone on to become members of the sheriff’s office. Got to give Chief Bolt credit because he’s used some innovative ways to attract that “half” an officer.

Last summer he took on hometown boy Austin Thompson as a Community Service/Bike Officer.

Thompson is completing his law enforcement education and Minnesota West in Worthington and now Chief Bolt is in the process of bringing this “half” an officer to Minneota as the new part-time officer.

In addition, the chief has found a way to get part of the wages for the part-time officer’s training paid for — up to 360 hours. The Minnesota Private Industry Council has an “On the Job Training Program” and they provide 50 percent of the wages and also assist with pre-employment expenses.

After helping Thompson get training last summer, Chief Bolt has created a pipeline of help for the future. Thompson is coming aboard this summer. Now, the chief has brought aboard Jonathan Monterroso, who is in his first year of training at Alexandria Technical and Community College.

He’s a Marshall resident with family ties to Minneota and Ghent. Chief Bolt believes he’ll work out well as the summer intern. He’s an employee of the SW Minnesota Private Industry Council and will work with the Minneota Police Department.

You can expect to see Monterroso’s smiling face around the community — much as you did Thompson’s last year. And, oh yeah, we’ll have Thompson aboard as well. There were times when Minneota had up to five part-time officers.

Currently, there are just two and both work full-time in the private sector. Got to give Police Chief Bolt credit. It’s not easy to find a “half” a police officer — but he’s been able to do it, and it seems to be paying big dividends for the community.

Welcome aboard Jonathan Monterroso! And welcome home Austin Thompson!

LAUGH A LITTLE: Question: What do you call someone who can’t stay on a diet? Answer: “A desserter”.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “Great leaders don’t tell you what to do. They go out and show you how it’s done.” That’s what Ole Pappy did. He was always showing me. Thanks Ole Pappy!

Jonathan Monterroso

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The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492