The Prior Lake City Council welcomed two new police officers during its Jan. 23 meeting, bringing the department to full staffing for the first time in recent memory.

Robert Herd received shield number 66 and Ryan Alaski received shield number 67 during a ceremony attended by family members and city officials. Herd, a Seattle native who previously worked in Albert Lee, moved to Minnesota for family reasons, including care for a daughter with special needs. Alaski, a Prior Lake native and graduate of local schools, previously served as a conservation officer with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community after five years with the Wells Police Department.

Police Chief announced the department has made a final offer to a police commander candidate who has accepted, meaning the department will be at full staffing once the hire is complete. The department also added a third investigator position for the first time in city history, with the new investigator focusing partly on mental health crisis response.

Fire Chief Steinhouse reported quarterly statistics showing the fire department responded to 1,119 total calls in 2023, an increase from the previous year driven primarily by medical emergencies. The department achieved a 49% improvement in response times, with equipment arriving on scene in an average of 6 minutes and 45 seconds.

The council approved routine business items including vehicle purchases, professional services contracts, and a temporary liquor license for the Prior Lake VFW. City Manager Wedell indicated future quarterly reports will include expanded medical response data from all agencies serving the community.