The following information is gleaned from the 2024 Big Lake Police Annual Report submitted to city council, city administration and city residents by Big Lake Police Chief John  Kaczmarek.

Mission Statement

“We commit to engaging with our community while protecting and serving with compassion, honor and integrity.”

Message from the Chief

As your Chief of Police, I am excited to present to you the 2024 Big Lake Police Department Annual Report. The men and women of the Big Lake Police Department strive daily to provide its citizens with the best public safety services possible. We are honored to serve your community and look forward to our continued partnership for many years to come!

We would like to thank our community for their support and generosity. As we embark on 2025, we will continue to serve your community with Integrity, Professionalism, and Excellence. Our mission continues to be at the forefront of each and every citizen contact. We commit to engaging with our community, while protecting and serving with compassion, honor, and integrity. From all of us at the Big Lake Police Department, we wish you a safe and wonderful 2025!

Office ManagerTina Peterson

The records division at the Big Lake Police Department consists of (2) civilian personnel. Office Manager Tina Peterson works collaboratively with Police Specialist Jessica Baker and provides support to the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. 

Daily responsibilities include processing police records, case management, gun permits, ATV registrations, subpoenas, managing data requests, expungement of records, citation entry/removal, and NIBRS entry.

In addition, Office Manager Tina Peterson answers citizens questions and is the first to greet the community members who stop in at the Big Lake Police Department for assistance. Tina routinely provides a warm welcome to guests and provides them with resources and direction needed. Tina has been with the Big Lake Police Department for 21-years! We thank Tina for her hard work and daily dedication to the Big Lake Police Department!

Police Specialist Jessica Baker

Police Specialist Jessica Baker started with the Big Lake Police Department in June of 2024. Prior to working for the BLPD, Jessica worked for the Big Lake School District for nearly 15 years. Baker, a resident of Big Lake, has been a great addition to our department!

A Police Specialist is one of two civilian staff members who support the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. Routinely, Baker processes gun permits, ATV Registrations, handles officers court notices, subpoenas, Liquor and Tobacco Background checks, and has a hand in everyday case management for the department.

We thank Police Specialist Jessica Baker for her hard work and dedication. Without your assistance, successful daily operations would not be possible. We are thankful for your consistent hard work and effort!

Police Captain Sam Olson

Captain Sam Olson has been with the Big Lake Police Department for nearly 22- years as a sworn officer. Prior to being a sworn officer, Olson was a Reserve Officer for the department. Captain Olson has held many roles within the police department during his tenure. Some of those positions include a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Acting Chief.

Along with providing police services to the City of Big Lake, Captain Olson dedicated 23-years to the Big Lake Fire Department. Captain Olson retired from the BLFD in 2017 as a Captain.

Captain Olson graduated from the FBI National Academy Class # 261, held in Quantico, Virgina in 2015.

We appreciate Captain Olson’s long history of providing emergency services to the City of Big Lake!

Police Sergeant Guy Chaffee

Sergeant Guy Chaffee began his tenure with the Big Lake Police Department in 2009 as a Police Reserve Officer. After serving as a volunteer reserve for 5 years, Chaffee was hired full-time as a Police Officer with the department.

Sergeant Chaffee has took on many different roles since becoming a police officer in 2014. A few of these notable roles include Patrol Officer, Police Canine Officer, Firearms Instructor, Reserve Program Coordinator and was promoted to Police Sergeant in the Fall of 2022.

Sergeant Chaffee takes a very active approach to patrolling the City of Big Lake on a consistent basis. We thank Sergeant Chaffee for his dedication and professional service to the City of Big Lake and its residents!

Police Sergeant Nic Prigge

Sergeant Nic Prigge joined the Big Lake Police Department in 2015. Prior to working for the Big Lake Police Department, Sergeant Prigge worked as a Patrol Officer for the Bismarck Police Department in North Dakota.

Sergeant Prigge has held many roles and responsibilities during his tenure with the Big Lake Police Department. Sergeant Prigge has held the positions of Patrol Officer, Investigator, and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in July of 2024. Sergeant Prigge has also been a Field Training Officer, UAV Coordinator, and Patrol Union Vice President. Currently, Sergeant Prigge is in charge of our Field Training Program where he oversees all of our Field Training Officers.

Sergeant Prigge is a very hard worker who will offer assistance to any member of the Big Lake Police Department. We thank Sergeant Prigge for his enthusiastic ability to problem solve and assist on any and all matters pertaining to the Big Lake police Department. Keep up the great work!

Police Investigator Tom Kucala

Investigator Tom Kucala began his employment with the Big Lake Police Department in 2017. Prior to, Investigator Kucala worked for the Pella, Iowa Police Department for 4-years. Investigator Kucala moved back to Minnesota in 2017 and started with the Big Lake Police Department.

While with our department, Investigator Kucala has held many different positions. Investigator Kucala started as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer. As Kucala obtained experience with the department, he took on additional responsibilities such as a firearms Instructor and was promoted to Investigator in 2022 where he currently assigned.

Investigator Kucala has been a great asset to our department. Investigator Kucala works collaboratively with our surrounding agencies to successfully investigate and prepare solid criminal investigations for successful prosecution. We appreciate his dedication and service to the City of Big Lake!

Police Investigator Silas Reek

Investigator Silas Reek has been with the Big Lake Police Department for nearly 9-years. Investigator Reek started his career with the Big Lake Police Department in 2016 as a Police Reserve Officer. Investigator Reek volunteered as a Reserve Officer for nearly 2-years before being hired on full-time as a sworn police officer in 2018.

Investigator Reek has accomplished many career highlights during his tenure with the department. Investigator Reek has involved himself in nearly every aspect of our department. Investigator Reek has held the positions and responsibilities of a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, and Investigator.

Investigator Reek works collaboratively with Investigator Kucala on complex criminal investigations. As a team, they work in tandem with one another to solve and package criminal investigations before sending them off to the Sherburne County Attorney’s office for charging. We thank you for your hard work and determination!

New Staff in 2024

Officer Julie Hawkins, Officer Nate Hedstrom, Officer Autumn Hanson and Police Specialist Jessica Baker.

Patrol Division

Officer Chris Hoard, Officer Joe Kalla, Officer Sam Norlin ,Officer Bill Saliterman, Officer Michael Asfeld, Officer Julie Hawkins, Officer Caleb Sawatsky, Officer Andrew Hanson, Officer Autumn Hanson and Officer Nathan Hedstrom.