City hopes to be able to find, keep, officers

The Winnebago City Council began the New Year with innovative suggestions for attracting officers to the Winnebago Police Department during their meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The discussions were sparked by several resignations which Winnebago Police Chief Eric Olson received within the past month.

Recently, full-time police officer Jacob Pettit submitted his letter of resignation to Olson following five years of service to the Winnebago community. Pettit has accepted a full-time position at the Faribault County Sheriff’s Department, but also wishes to remain on the Winnebago Police Department roster as a part-time officer.

“Jacob was community-oriented, being a member of the Winnebago Fire Department (and) president of Bago Fun Fest, and organized National Night Out,” Olson said via written correspondence. “He recently completed his Defensive Tactics Instructor School and will continue to provide training to Winnebago. Jacob Pettit will be missed as a full-time officer.”

The council accepted Pettit’s resignation, as well as that of part-time officer Ben Johnson. The council also approved Pettit’s appointment to the police department’s part-time roster.

Olson brought a recommendation for a new full-time officer hire to the council, as well. He had received an application from Fairmont resident Michael Sharp, who is currently finishing his skills training in law enforcement. Sharp will be taking the Minnesota POST Board exam...

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