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The Cottage Grove Police Reserve is made up of citizen volunteers who augment and assist the police department with a variety of duties and responsibilities. Reserve members come from all walks of life and have joined to assist and "give back" to their community. Some members are seeking careers in law enforcement and have joined the Police Reserve for experience, while others are gainfully employed in the private sector and are here to fulfill a civic need or duty. Each month reserves participate in training relative to the position of law enforcement.  This training is conducted by active officers of the police department with high levels of experience.  Reserves are given the opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards that the position of a police officer has to offer.

Police Reserve Officers are trained to assist the police department with tasks that include:

• Patrol Details
• Bike Patrol
• Park & Business Patrols
• Community Events
• Neighborhood Watch
• Crime Scene Security
• Community Emergencies
• Non-confrontational Property Calls
• Focused Traffic Enforcement
• Assisting Officers
• Prisoner Transports

If you are interested in applying for a Police Reserve position click here for the job application and return it to:
Joe Fischbach, Human Resources Coordinator, 7516-80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.
The recruitment process starts during the fall of each year. Click here for the Police Reserve job description.

If you are interested in obtaining additional information about the Police Reserve, please contact Liaison Officer Matt Foucault at 651 458-6010 or at mfoucault@cottage-grove.org.

Volunteer in Policing (VIP)

The Cottage Grove Volunteer in Policing (VIP) position is made up of citizen volunteers who assist the public safety department with a variety of duties including, but not limited to, Neighborhood Watch, McGruff House program, police training, departmental tours, and event preparation.  Community events include Strawberry Fest, Night to Unite, Homecoming parade, Halloween parade, Safety camp, and the Holiday Train.  This position differs from that of a Police Reserve Officer because VIP members will not complete the duties of patrol within the police department.  Our VIP member core is comprised of individuals with various skill sets who are willing to provide them to the public safety department in furtherance of the Cottage Grove mission of improving the quality of life and enhancing the spirit of the community.

Any Cottage Grove area citizen over the age of 18 who has a skill they feel could be valuable to the City or who simply wants to volunteer is encouraged to inquire.  Young adults, adults with full time professions and retired individuals are being sought.

This is a new volunteer position with the City of Cottage Grove and the public safety department hopes to build a core group of 15 citizens.

Interested applicants can obtain an application here and return it to Joe Fischbach, Human Resources Coordinator, 7516 – 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.  Applications can also be obtained in person at the Cottage Grove City Hall.  The recruitment process will begin each fall with a start date in February of the following year. 

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Officer Matt Foucault at 651-458-6010, or at mfoucault@cottage-grove.org. 

Reserve Officers Info - 2011

Reserve Officer Program Oversight:
Sergeant Gwen Martin

Liaison Officer to Reserve Program:
Officer Matt Foucault

Police Reserve Members:

Dave Larson
Ryan Brown

Steve Hotaling

Justin Fox

Andy Bushey

Nick Bailey

Shawn Blakemore

Brittany Cekalla

Matthew Weaver

Rick Constable

Justin VanHalanger
Jacob Vorhies
Scott Shaver
Jonny Strehlo
Jeff Rossow