Friday, June 05, 2015

Edina Police Department Swears In Three Officers

Edina, Minn., June 3, 2015 – Three new Police Officers were sworn in Friday, May 29, joining the ranks of Edina’s finest. Officers Kyle Waterstreet, Ben Wenande and Justin Patterson had their badges pinned as they were congratulated by friends and family during their swearing-in ceremony, held in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

“It’s a milestone in these people’s lives,” said Deputy Police Chief Jeff Elasky. “The swearing-in process is made into a greater event, one in which family members have the ability to pin the badge on their loved one and truly celebrate the honor of what it means to be an Edina Police Officer.”

Waterstreet pursued his interest in law enforcement when he joined Edina/Eden Prairie Explorers Post No. 925, before graduating from Normandale Community College with an associate degree in Law Enforcement. After graduating, Waterstreet worked for the Carver County Sherriff’s Office as a Deputy Sherriff for more than two years. His wife, Lindsey, pinned on his badge, No. 147, at the swearing-in ceremony.

“As part of the Police Explorers when I was younger, I met some of the officers that are still with the Department now,” said Waterstreet. “When I chose law enforcement as a career, it was because I wanted to help people. But why I chose Edina as the department I wanted to work for, was out of respect. They were the ones that showed me everything.”

Wenande graduated from Normandale Community College with an associate degree in Science, as well as a certificate in Law Enforcement from Hennepin Technical College in 2015. His badge, No. 146, was pinned on by his mother, Lauren Johnson. Wenande began gaining experience after he joined Orono Police Explorers Post No. 3776. In late 2013, Wenande joined the Edina Police Department as a Community Service Officer.

“I’ve heard outstanding things from the different police departments I’ve been with about this City,” said Wenande. “Every cop gets into this because they want to help people. I know you’re going to see people on their worst days, but I hope I can be a person that can help them through their tough times.”

Patterson graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in American History in 2011. His interest in law enforcement took off after he spoke with officers after completing active duty in the U.S. Army. Patterson then received a Law Enforcement certificate from Hennepin Technical College. Soon after, he served as a Community Service Officer with the Edina Police Department. His mother, Deanna Patterson, pinned his badge, No. 144, during the ceremony.

“Working as a Community Service Officer was a really great way to get familiarized with how the Department works,” said Patterson. “I’m very lucky to be working with a police department that has a very positive and mutually beneficial relationship with its citizens. I’m very proud to be putting on the badge, especially for Edina.”

For information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Police.

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The City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424
mail@EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861

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