Canine Officer Nielsen Awarded Chief's Medal

West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen awarded the Chief's Medal to Canine Officer Pete Nielsen at the Dec. 4 department meeting. Rasmussen said Nielsen's outstanding professionalism and leadership made him an excellent choice for the award. Nielsen was hired as a police officer in December 1999 and has been a police service dog handler for the past two years.

Sworn Officer and/or civilian employees who distinguish themselves with an act which significantly benefits the department or the community are eligible to receive the Chief's Medal. Demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism, community service, or any act deemed by the Chief of Police to have significantly benefited the department towards the accomplishment of its mission and goals are considerations for this award. Former recipients of the award are Detective Brad Berg 2008, DARE Officer Eric Wiinanen 2009, Officer Rhonda Jorgensen 2010 and School Resource Officer Todd Pearson 2011.