Serving Since Today

Scott Neal, June 28, 2012 | Posted in Scott Neal

I got to do something earlier this week that I really enjoy doing in my job as city manager. I got to attend the swearing in of a new police officer. During my 20+ years in this job the swearing in of a new police officer has become more formal, and more family oriented at the same time.

It’s an important event that is shared by two families: the family and friends of the new officer and the new family of co-workers in the Police Department. Their family of birth is excited because they know a job with the Edina Police Department is a big deal. It means a career. It means, perhaps new little family members in the future. It means that a son or daughter might now settle down in the Twin Cities for a 20-30 year tiem frame.

Their new family of co-workers is excited to bring new blood into the family. They’ve vetted the new guy or gal carefully. They’re pretty sure they like them and that they’re going to make it here. They know they might have to trust the new guy or gal with their lives someday.

Our newest officer is a new young man (it makes me feel old to say that) named Joe Delgehausen. Now it’s Officer Joe Delgehausen. The photos above are of Joe getting sworn in by City Clerk Deb Mangen and Chief Jeff Long; Joe getting a hug from his mom after she pinned on his new badge; and Joe getting his photo take with his Grandpa and Grandma from Brainard.

One of the traditions in the Edina Police Department that I really like is that officers where a pin on their uniforms that says “Serving Since ___” with the blank filled in with the year they joined the Department. On the first day (and only the first day) of their jobs, they each wear a pin that says “Serving Since Today”. Very nice.

Welcome to the EPD Joe. We’re looking forward to having you around for a while.