By Jack Hammett jhammett@swpub.com May 21, 2019
Prior Lake City Council and the community welcomed newly-selected Police Chief Steve Frazer with uproarious applause as he was sworn in Monday by Mayor Kirt Briggs.
After a hiring process whittled the choices to Frazer, formerly of Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and St. Paul PD, and Carver County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Eric Kittelson, the city announced its choice May 7.
The hiring process included interview panels with community stakeholders, police department staff and representatives from Scott County and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
“After undertaking a thorough process, I am confident that Chief Frazer is a wonderful match for the City of Prior Lake,” said City Manager Michael Plante, who made the final decision.
Frazer began his acceptance by saying family is an officer’s greatest support.
“It’s extremely hard to be a police officer’s spouse,” he said. “It’s extremely hard to be a police officer’s child. There are a lot of moments that bring you back to reality, when your child is in first or second grade and says, ‘Dad, stop using your cop voice.’”
The community listens as Prior Lake Police Chief Steven Frazer gives a quick speech after being sworn in Monday night.
Frazer thanked the council and mayor, acknowledging they are one of three groups of people the police chief must serve.
“No. 1 is the citizens we all serve,” he said, adding elected officials and department employees are the other two.
Frazer has more than 27 years of police experience, according to a city news release. He moved from serving as a peace officer in Roseville to serving as a commander in St. Paul in 2006. He also served as chief deputy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, managing day-to-day operations.
Frazer will manage 35 employees, including sworn and civilian staff, and the department’s $4.6 million budget.
Please read more from The Prior Lake American:
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/frazer-sworn-in-as-prior-lake-police-chief/article_10794a21-cd71-5fe8-b35e-86dcae440094.html