Becker Police Chief Brent Baloun was honored for his 10th work anniversary at a recent city council meeting.

 

Baloun has been with the department the last 10 years and prior to that was with the St. Cloud Police Dept. (12 years) and at Crosby (3 years).

 

Baloun was hired to replace interim police chief Steve Megelkoch, who succeeded Kevin Reiland, who succeeded Earl Holen.

 

In the 10 years he’s been leading Becker, Baloun had seen a lot of changes — both good and bad.

 

“When I first started here, I think the public had a different perception of who the police department was to them back then,” Brent said. “Now, with the officers being a little more out-front in the public and have higher visibility, I think the community is more accepting and even friendlier.”

 

When Baloun arrived  Sept. 11, 2006, he had one officer attend two training seminars at the FBI Academy in Quantico and one officer attend a training at the National Fire Academy (all paid for by federal grants).  Baloun says, however, the FBI no longer offers this program.

 

Also, when Baloun took the helm, the department was “farming” a lot of things outside the department to the county and sheriff’s department because the officers just didn’t have the proper training and know-how to do all the tasks required on their day-to-day schedules.

 

“We have self-initiated services and our training and professionalism has increased over the years,” says Baloun. “We have new professional development standards for officers regarding training.  One officer is selected to attend leadership school each year.  Other trainings are selected based on need.”

 

Since Baloun’s first day on the job, his department has nearly completely changed over with police officers, which includes some retirements, some officers leaving and one (Greg Bratt) losing his life to cancer.

 

“Brent has taken the Becker Police Dept. to a new level,” said City Administrator Greg Pruszinske.  “For example, he has made recruiting and hiring the most talented officers a top priority.

 

Brent embraces and exemplifies our core value in leadership, excellence, trust, innovation, collaboration, stewardship, transparency, professionalism and accountability.”

 

Baloun has also given the BPD a new, fresh look by having new arm patches created and squad car graphics re-designed. He also instituted a sergeant position to assist in supervision in the department.

 

Another proud project for Baloun and his officers is the volunteer police reserve program that includes a liaison position, the sergeant position and training requirements. The Becker Volunteer Police Reserve Officer Program is made up of men and women who volunteer their time without pay to assist the BPD with various needs and projects throughout the year. 

 

“Without the help of our reserve officers, the police department would likely incur additional overtime and be less responsive to the needs of our citizens and our community,” says Baloun.

 

The reserve program contributed over 1,080 hours in 2015.

 

Baloun and his officers have also partnered with the Sherburne County Sheriff on a new records management system and mobile system for the squad cars. He’s re-vamped his policy manual as well as the safe and sober program with the county.

 

“Brent is a great police chief and a superb member of our administrative staff,” said Pruszinske. “Brent has a keen sense for police and administrative work.” 

 

Pruszinske is also appreciative of Baloun being active with the Minnesota State Chief's Association where he was asked for assistance with the development of their bylaws. He’s also teaching as an adjunct faculty member in the Criminal Justice Dept. at SCSU.

 

“Things like this keep Brent's skills sharp and keep Becker on the map in a positive light,” said the city administrator.

 

“I also appreciate the fact that Brent is active in community events like the Yellow Ribbon, Safety Camp, the Relay for Life and various church and civic functions around Becker.”

 

Becker has grown to be the 11th safest community in the state according to a study done by SafeWise.com in 2014.

 

“In the years I have worked with Chief Baloun, I have seen him transform our department into something I’m extremely proud of and I’m honored to work and learn from him,” said Council Member Tracy Bertram, who sits on the police commission board.

 

“When we on council talk about diamonds in the rough, he is one of them and I’m so glad that 10 years ago that seated council chose Brent to lead our police department.”

 

“I’m fortunate to have been able to work with such an incredibly great staff,” Baloun said. “I’ve worked side-by-side with some excellent council members who have been supportive of this police department and our goals of making the community safe. Some of those are Tracy (Bertram), Adam Oliver and Phil Knutson, to name a few.”

 

Baloun, who attended high school in Brainerd and college at SCSU, hopes to serve at least another 10 years here in Becker before he hands over the reins.

 

“We’ve loved it here in Becker and moving here has been great for my family,” he said. “The kids have enjoyed the schools here and Julie (wife) is coaching (Dazzlers) and really enjoys the kids and community. My goal is to continue and end my career here in Becker.”

 

Brent is married to Julie and they have two daughters, Lindsey, 19 and Lauren 14.