Sartell Names Two Finalists for Chief of Police

(KNSI) — Residents are invited to meet the final two candidates for Sartell’s next Chief of Police later this week.

Thursday, February 23rd, the candidates’ final interviews, including time spent with the entire Sartell Police Department, are scheduled during the day. That evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the two will be available for an informal meet and greet at the Sartell Community Center.

Brent Bukowski (above, left) grew up in central Minnesota and started his law enforcement career as a police officer in 1999 with the Sauk Rapids Police Department. Since then, he has facilitated the return of the K-9 unit within the police department and rose to the rank of Sergeant. A press release from the City of Sartell says Sergeant Bukowski “has been an integral part of the leadership team advancing the department in staffing, technology, and equipment.” He serves as an instructor in active threat integrated response training.

With K9 Storm, Sergeant Bukowski has provided tactical support to the St. Cloud Police SWAT team and is also a paid on call firefighter with the Sauk Rapids Fire Department.

Bukowski has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with an emphasis in Emergency Management from Upper Iowa University and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Brandon Silgjord (above, right) currently heads 911 communications and emergency management operations for the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, where he has worked since 2009. He has been in law enforcement since 2006, serving with the Pequot Lakes Police Department and Morrison County Sheriff’s Office. He has been a patrol deputy, K9 handler, SWAT operator and field training officer. Silgjord also served St. Louis County as a patrol sergeant, FTO supervisor, SWAT sniper, academy lead patrol tactics instructor and oversaw water patrol grants and enforcement efforts. He was promoted to Commander to oversee operations in the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department Hibbing District.

Silgjord holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Central Lakes College and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Metropolitan State University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is also a 2019 National Command and Staff College graduate, earning a MAGNUS leadership award for Command and Staff Leadership Class.

City officials tell KNSI News there were nine total candidates, all from outside the department and from a diverse representation locally, statewide, and from out of state.

Chief Jim Hughes is retiring after 32 years with the Sartell Police Department. His last day is March 31st. There will be a tentative city council approval of the conditional offer in mid-March. The city council is also expected to approve of current Deputy Chief Wayne Schreiner to serve as interim chief.

The anticipated start date for the new chief is sometime in May.

___