For Immediate Release – May 4, 2021
Trio of New Police Officers Sworn in for Hermantown Police Department
Jon Pernu recognized with promotion to Sergeant
Hermantown, Minn. – The Hermantown Police Department swore in three new officers Monday, May 3, and promoted Jon Pernu to Sergeant.
Officers Olivia Gottschald and Jonathan Stracek joined the HPD in 2020, but limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic postponed their swearing in ceremony. The pair of first-time officers were sworn in alongside newly-hired Andrew Leibel, who joined the HPD from the Proctor Police Department.
“Police officers are, for many people, the most visible form of local government, and because of that we need to ensure that we attract and retain the very best people,” said Jim Crace, Hermantown’s Chief of Police. “Our department has worked hard to build a reputation of honesty, care, dependability, and integrity. This all begins with hiring the right people to join our department, and we know we are adding three great people of solid character to serve the City of Hermantown.”
Judge Dale Harris performed the oath of office for Hermantown’s new police officers.
Pernu, who serves as one of Hermantown’s two K-9 handlers, has been a member of the Hermantown Police Department for more than eight years. Pernu’s promotion aligns with the upcoming retirement of Sergeant Bill Marsolek, who has been a member of the HPD for nearly three decades.
The trio of newcomers, paired with Marsolek’s pending retirement, brings the total number of officers in the HPD to 16, as well as a pair of K-9 officers.
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For more information, contact: Joe Wicklund, Communications Director, City of Hermantown at [email protected] or 218.729.3614.