Tell us about yourself. Tell us who you are and what you do.
I’m originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. While it is beautiful, it was a little too small for the life plans I had. I attended college in Duluth, MN where I worked briefly before coming out to Fargo to work for the police department. I currently live in Glyndon, MN, with my husband and our rescue pup named Mala. I worked patrol for about five years before joining the Community Engagement Team where I focus specifically on mental health-related calls for service. I work closely with our mental health resources in the area to try and reduce the need for repeat responses to the same individuals while also connecting individuals with the appropriate resources. I am currently working on building the state’s first co-responder program within our department. Outside of my job, I love going to the gym, reading, and anything true crime related.
Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why? Who inspires you?
My parents are the core of who I am and why I do what I do. Neither are in law enforcement, but they instilled a strong sense of community and hard work in me from a young age. My father is the hardest working person I know and continues to give back to the community even in retirement. My mother showed me what it is to be a reliable and trusting friend and partner. They never set limits on what I could do and always allowed me to pursue whatever dream I had. Heather Glogolich also recently had a large impact on my career life after I met her and heard her speak at a women’s law enforcement conference. She went through many lows throughout her law enforcement career but overcame them all bravely and proudly to come out on top. She is a role model for women within our profession and she reignited my passion for law enforcement while inspiring me to want more for myself as a police officer.
What drives you?
Being a person my family and friends can be proud of is a huge motivation for me. I am honored to put on my uniform every day knowing it can be a symbol of a role model to some people. It is a responsibility I take very seriously and it drives me to be the best I can be each and every shift.
What are some important life lessons you have learned?
If you want something badly enough and work hard enough for it, you can achieve it. Everything happens for a reason, even though that reason may not be obvious at first.
What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
I really enjoy trying new restaurants and bars around town, horseback riding in the county with friends, and attending concerts at different venues.
What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
I hope to gain a newfound confidence in myself as a female leader within my agency while creating lasting friendships with the other women in this program. I believe each one has something valuable I could learn and I look forward to exploring what that is throughout the rest of the program.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself continuing to grow within the Fargo Police Department. Our co-responder program in the department should be up and running long before then, and I hope I am furthering and improving upon the program and educating other departments and officers on how to have a successful program such as ours. What are your passions outside of work? Outside of work, I really am a homebody. I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and our pup. I have renewed my love of reading and often finish a book a day when I have the time.
