New Hampton City Council Meets in Special Session Wednesday (05.06) on PD Staffing

Staffing for the New Hampton Police Department is the focus of a special City Council meeting Wednesday (05.06) evening.

The Council will meet at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers with the sole agenda item of discussion and possible action regarding the police department advertising for a new officer.                                                                           

Chief Conrad Rosendahl says the opening comes in the wake of news regarding Officer Cory Frank, revealed during Monday (05.04) night’s regular Council meeting. Frank has been on medical leave since last July, when he suffered an off-duty injury. 

He had back surgery in February and the expectation was he’d be ready to return to full police-duty activities by May 1st. However, Frank told the Council this week that he needs an additional six-to-eight weeks off, due to changes in his medical restrictions regarding what he can do.

Rosendahl says those restrictions make it unreasonable for him to return to full duty at this time, while noting Frank has no definite timeline for returning to full duty or if he will return at all. 

Rosendahl said he then asked the Council to open the position for hire, but was informed he could not advertise for a position if it’s still occupied. 

Thus, Rosendahl said he terminated Frank on Tuesday (05.05) because he’s unable to perform the duties required of a police officer. However, when he is 100% medically cleared, he is welcome to reapply for the position if one is available. 

On a separate note, Rosendahl says Officer Lucas Kleckner will complete his K-9 training Thursday (05.07) and will return to full duty with K9 Ozkar on Monday (05.11).