Brooklyn Park Swears in Nine New Police Officers

The Brooklyn Park Police Department swore in nine new police officers Thursday afternoon at the Community Activity Center, bringing its ranks to 97.

Those officers, alongside Sergeant Brandy Gelle, took the oath in in front of fellow officers and loved ones. They also recognized two new K-9s: Boris and Duke.

A number of the new officers had family members with law enforcement careers. As Police Chief Mark Bruley introduced the officers, he told the room that the job is a calling.

“When I see people that have that sparkle in their eye, and sometimes they’ll tell me: ‘I’ve always wanted to; I can’t remember a time that I didn’t want to be a police officer. I want to be just like my dad, I want to be like my grandpa. I want to serve the community,'” Bruley recounted.

The new officers are Alexandra Urgiles, Estefania Lopez, Amed Ali-Nor, Joseph Chanski, Cameron Adams, Jr., Jonathan Pearson, Jessica Heinzen, Stevie Sheid and Jennifer Grenardo.

Retired Brooklyn Park Lt. Steve Pearson pins a badge onto his son, now-officer Jonathan Pearson.

Each officer completed a six-week training program. Next, they will undergo field training. 

The department can hold 109 officers. Now, the department is nearly 90 percent staffed. As an incentive, the department offered sign-on bonuses of up to $5,000 to lateral officer candidates.

A roomful of civilians and law enforcement applaud as one new officer receives his badge.

Brooklyn Park