After an extensive search process which included two formal rounds of interviews, a community meet and greet and rigorous background checks, Northfield has hired a veteran Minnesota State Patrolman with ample leadership experience to serve as its new Police Chief.
At their Tuesday meeting, Councilors voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of City Administrator Ben Martig to offer Jeffrey Schroepfer, a current District Commander with the State Patrol, the position of Northfield Police Chief.
The position came open after outgoing Police Chief Mark Elliott announced in March that he intended to retire by the end of September. Elliott came to Northfield as Deputy Police Chief in 2019 and succeeded retiring Chief Monte Nelson the following year.
Elliott’s retirement created a coveted opening, with nine candidates flocking to apply for an opportunity to lead a Department regularly lauded for building solid community-police relations in a town well known for its desirable quality of life.
Eight of the applicants participated in initial interviews led by Martig and Human Resources Director Michelle Mahowald. The field was then trimmed down to four candidates, who were interviewed by panels including community members, staff, officers and members of the City Council’s Personnel Committee on June 12.
Out of that process emerged Schroepfer and St. Louis Park Police Lieutenant Mikael Garland, two finalists who stood out thanks to their extensive resumes, both of which included over a quarter century in law enforcement and ample leadership experience.
For Schroepfer and Garland, the final big test was a public open house on June 25. Both finalists prepared a presentation and answered questions prepared in advance of the event. The meet and greet was well attended, with 37 comment cards submitted by city residents.
Following a background check, reference checks and psychological and physical examinations, Martig extended a conditional offer to Schroepfer. Martig praised Schroepfer’s ample and diverse experience and his “life and career of service to the public.”
Even prior to his service with the Minnesota State Patrol, Schroepfer had extensive experience in Minnesota law enforcement, serving as a Patrol Officer and subsequently as a Deputy Sheriff. As District Commander, Schroepfer oversaw and managed the Patrol’s second largest patrol district in the East Metro, partnering with other law enforcement agencies and state departments such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation to keep residents safe and secure.
In particular, Schroepfer’s leadership role required him to take a leadership role in coordinating an effective emergency response to natural disasters, such as a tornado or the type of extensive flooding which affected much of the state earlier this year.
In addition to Schroepfer’s ample experience, Martig said that city leaders were drawn to Schroepfer because he expressed a desire to return to a community focused role and build strong relationships within that community after over a decade with the State Patrol.
Even while covering a broad area for the State Patrol, Schroepfer has made sure to never forget his local roots. He’s long served as a volunteer firefighter for the Lakeville Fire Department and regularly volunteers for community organizations and events.
With his four young kids looking on, a grateful Schroepfer accepted the city’s offer. Born and raised in a small town in Southwest Minnesota, Schroepfer said he’s been longing to return to serving a smaller community after a long period leading law enforcement in the metro area.
“The ultimate goal of myself in my career was to get back a little more to my roots of the smaller community feel and the interaction with the public,” Schroepfer said.
Having dealt with a broad array of challenges and changes in his previous positions, Schroepfer said he looks forward to serving as leader of the Department and mentor to its officers. He also praised city staff for working tirelessly to conduct an incredibly in-depth hiring process.
“I’m impressed with the very thorough process,” Schroepfer said. “I’ve been involved in a lot of hiring processes in my current position and I have to give you credit, a lot of work went into this process.”
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