Mendota Heights PD Marks 50th Anniversary with Open House and History

When the started service on June 1, 1962, police chief Martin Baldwin drove his own vehicle in place of a police car for his first 20 days on the job.

When the law enforcement vehicle finally arrived, it doubled as an ambulance.

Another early MHPD squad car was destroyed by a horse stampede.

—The department has grown significantly since those days.

To celebrate 50 years of service, the MHPD will host a public open house Sunday from 12-4 p.m. at the police department adjacent to City Hall.

“It just gives you a little pride,” said officer Jeffory VonFeldt, who planned the event with fellow officer Peyton Fleming. “It’s a good landmark.”

It will provide an opportunity for the public to meet MHPD officers and administrators.

The open house will include department tours and a display exploring the department’s history.

Multiple squad cars, a state patrol helicopter, a West St. Paul Police Department K-9, a Dakota County SWAT vehicle and a crashed vehicle provided by Mothers Against Drunk Driving will all be available for viewing.

A Dakota County SWAT team sniper will attend in full gear. A crime prevention officer will be tabling at the event, as will several investigators. McGruff the Crime Dog will be in attendance as well.

VonFeldt and Fleming hope to make the open house an annual event.

“This is the perfect opportunity to get to know us,” said Fleming.

In honor of the 50-year milestone, Fleming designed commemorative 50th anniversary police badges, which the department will wear through the end of the year. 

See Also:

Insight 7:

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South-West Review: 50th police anniversary

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