Petition Seeks to Reinstate New Hampton Police Chief
A petition has been launched to reinstate New Hampton Police Chief Tim Pederson.
Earlier this week, New Hampton Mayor Steve Geerts accepted Pederson’s resignation for conduct that did not meet the expectations of the police chief’s position. The City says that on March 29th, Pederson noticed $40 cash left in a self-checkout lane while shopping at a store in Waterloo. Rather than turn the money into store staff, he retained the money and left the store.
When the owner of the $40 returned to the store and found the forgotten cash gone, law enforcement was contacted, who then contacted Pederson. He returned to the store and turned the money over to the officer handling the call to return it to its rightful owner.
The City’s statement adds, “While the City of New Hampton is undoubtedly disappointed by Chief Pederson’s actions, we have been very pleased with his performance and the direction he has taken the police department. Chief Pederson will be missed by the entire New Hampton community.”
The community is now being asked to show their support to reinstate Pederson. Danielle Tiemessen has launched a petition drive at www.change.org with a goal of 1,000 signatures. As of 7 am Friday (04.19), 528 people had signed the petition.
In her account description, Tiemessen notes that “Chief Pederson’s ‘resignation’ seems unjust and has sparked outrage within our town. Chief Pederson has been nothing but a positive influence on our community. His loudest supporters are that of our youth, who genuinely like & respect him, not only as a person, but as a figure of authority. Day in and day out, he could be found at one of the school buildings, interacting and building relationships with the students. He’s respected among local law enforcement, many of whom spoke on his behalf at Monday’s city council meeting.”
A link to the petition is included here.
Pederson first day on the job as NHPD Police Chief was April 19, 2023, after almost two decades with the Harlan Police Department.
Officer Doug Eagan has been named interim police chief. He’s been with the NHPD since 2008 and in law enforcement since 2003.
