West Hennepin Public Safety Events & Activities

West Hennepin Public Safety

A Caring Department Serving the Citizens of Maple Plain and Independence

News & Events

Activity Reports

3/29 - 4/4/08
3/23 - 3/28/08
3/16 - 3/22/08
3/9 - 3/15/08
3/2 - 3/8/08
2/24 - 3/1/08
2/14 - 2/23/08

News Archives
4/2008 - WHPS honors crash survivors saved by seat belts.

3/2008 - WHPS arrests 2 career criminals.

3/2008 - West Metro Drug Task Force 2007 Results

1/2008 - WHPS Awarded Grant for Traffic Enforcement

Accident Reports

On 04/30/08 at 1738 hours West Hennepin Public Safety (WHPS) was dispatched to

735 Nelson Road

in reference to a serious personal injury accident. Hennepin County Dispatch advised that a vehicle had struck a utility pole at a high rate of speed and that a juvenile male was trapped inside the vehicle and needed extrication. North Memorial Ambulance Air Care unit responded to the scene as well as Delano Fire and Rescue and Maple Plain Fire Rescue for extrication. West Hennepin Public Safety Officers along with other agencies in the area responded to assist.

in reference to a serious personal injury accident. Hennepin County Dispatch advised that a vehicle had struck a utility pole at a high rate of speed and that a juvenile male was trapped inside the vehicle and needed extrication. North Memorial Ambulance Air Care unit responded to the scene as well as Delano Fire and Rescue and Maple Plain Fire Rescue for extrication.West Hennepin Public Safety Officers along with other agencies in the area responded to assist.

Sgt. Kroells stated “The vehicle had serious front end damage from a horrific crash from striking a tree.” The vehicle was traveling too fast for gravel road conditions and in well excess of the speed limit. The driver lost control of his vehicle and at one point the vehicle turned sideways through the ditch, then struck the tree at a very high rate of speed.

The Jaws of Life were used to free the driver from the vehicle. The victim had serious injuries to his legs and was transported to North memorial Hospital by the North Memorial Air Care Unit.

Sgt Kroells stated “No alcohol was involved with this crash. An inexperienced driver and excessive speed was the cause of this accident.” Kroells further advised the decision of the driver to wear his seatbelt saved his life.

Congratulations To The Graduates of the 9th Annual West Hennepin Public Safety Citizens Police Academy!

Thirteen area citizens recently graduated on April 17, 2008 from the Ninth Annual Citizens Police Academy sponsored by the West Hennepin Public Safety Department. This group of individuals did an outstanding job in completing the seven-week academy. (Front row, left to right) Brian Martin, Evgheni Gherghelejiu, Laura Schumacher, Joanne Schumacher, Bonnie Brandt, Julie Lund, (Back row, left to right) Sergeant Gary Kroells, Director Ray McCoy, Gary Motyka, Ben Olson, Donald Baird, Missy Meyer, Paul Affedlt, Winne Baird, Roger Hackbarth, Officer Rick Anderson

The Citizens Police Academy was designed to create a better understanding of law enforcement through education. The Citizens Police Academy participants are presented with realistic hands on information, which will help each participant better understand the police department functions. Laura Schumacher stated, “You experience what they go through and it gives you a better respect of their job because you see everything that they do.” Schumacher stated that she would recommend the academy to everyone; it was fun and very informative. The classroom and hands on information covers: DWI and Traffic Enforcement, home security, use of deadly force which included a demonstration of the Taser Gun and FATS training (firearms simulation), Hennepin County Dispatch Center, Court procedures including testifying before a Judge and many other areas related to law enforcement.

This class is a must for those people who live or work within the West Hennepin Public Safety Department’s jurisdiction. The West Hennepin Public Safety Department is currently establishing a list of participants who would be interested in the next class. Please contact the West Hennepin Public Safety Department at (612) 479-0500 if you are interested in attending the Citizens Police Academy.