New Sartell Police Chief to be Sworn In Monday Night

(KNSI) — Sartell’s new police chief takes the oath of office at Monday’s city council meeting.

Brandon Silgjord joins the department from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. His last job was as head of 911 Communications and Emergency Management operations. He has also been a field training officer, K-9 handler, patrol, SWAT operator, and supervising deputy.

Silgjord was selected to replace Jim Hughes on March 1st. Hughes retired at the end of the month. Deputy Chief Wayne Schreiner has been heading the department on an interim basis while Silgjord entered into salary negotiations and completed a background check and psychological exam.

Silgjord was one of two finalists for the position. He beat out an officer from the Sauk Rapids Police Department for the job.

It is not the only public safety item on the agenda. The council will also consider purchasing a new fire engine, which would be delivered at the end of 2025. Engine 22 was first considered for replacement in 2021 for $650,000. It has since ballooned to $900,000.

Staff estimates that locking in the fire engine purchase today will save the city approximately $100,000. The higher cost down the road is attributed to inflation and new emission standards set to take effect in 2027.

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