Assistant police chief
October 6th, 2007 by 
Alica
What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of promoting from within to fill (in this case, with Wade Else) the newly-created office of Brandon Police Department assistant police chief? Else also has been named interim police chief to run the office after Phil Youngdale retires in November.
That seems to indicate the Brandon City Council doesn’t expect to hire a new chief before Youngdale retires. Do you agree? Is it reasonable to think the city could find a new chief within six to eight weeks?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
October 8th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Wow, this is getting good the BPD has almost half the posts on this board. Is there no other news or intrest in Brandon. With a growing and thriving community there must be something else to blog about? New food interst, Holly Blvd like/not like, other improvements you would like to see….etc. You know the council members, past,present and others read this garbage so maybe spark some other intrest. Maybe I could promote a talk show about the BPD and make millions since so many people are intrested?
Thanks,
Wanting to retire.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Who gets up @ 3AM to blog?
Just Kidding !! Maybe you have a night schedule or some other reasonable answer.
Have a good week.
October 8th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Who’s up at 7:54an to blog. A greta way to start tha day. LOL
October 8th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Posted Argus Leader 10/08/2007
Heath Earl Tople, 37, Brandon Plead guilty to violation of protection order, stalking, physical injury; sentenced to 365 ddays jail time, 275 days suspended.
Have fun in jail Heath! No blogging for you for awhile.
October 8th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
ouch!
October 8th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I think creating a new position of assistant police chief is a good idea. If we had this position last year, we would have a person who could either be come chief or keep the day to day operations going until a new chief is found. If we hire someone from outside of Brandon, they may decide they don’t like the job and leave after a year. That puts us back to looking for a new chief again. I think it made sense to create the position. I don’t know anyone on the BPD, so I have no opinion on Wade’s ability to do the job. Someone must have confidence in him, or he wouldn’t have gotten the job.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
not in jail….and not accurate reporting. wanna see the court order?
October 8th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
It was in the Argus…Heathy? Post it if your so sure of yourself.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
You should have said…Not in jail YET. Are you dening you have to do some time or have done time? Honesty is key. Oh, I forgot you are trying to be a politician.
October 9th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Community Advisor….lets use this blog for good….not for trashing other people. We need to be respectful people!!!
October 9th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Thank you #10, I appreciate the common sense…….Now, “Community Advisor”, show an ounce of courage and either call me (366-7057 / 582-7151), meet me face to face or identify yourself. You’ve made this personal and ugly. It didn’t have to be….by the way, I am NOT in jail, have NOT been in jail, am NOT going to have to be in jail, and I “honestly” sign my own name. Finally, I have NEVER tried to be a politician, but have had the good fortune to be able to serve the people of my community….and will always serve when I am asked. Can you give me any redeeming qualities you have, other than that you provide plenty of carbon dioxide to our atmosphere and fertilizer to our lives…..oh no, did I just blog?
October 9th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Anonymous, This is an open forum. We may speak of anything we wish. Mr. Tople like to get on here and say how many great things he’s done. I’m just pointing out a few of his GREAT things also. You post on here with non-sense your fair game.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Maybe Alica can advise. I believe The Argus is affiliated with her paper. It was posted maybe you want to clear that up!
October 9th, 2007 at 10:58 am
The only error free person I am aware of was Jesus Christ.
Tople has / did / will make some mistakes but HIS heart is in what is best for the city of Brandon.
I do not always agree with him nor does he always agree with me. The two of us know how to agree to disagree. I think MANY bloggers on topics of the city of Brandon need to try figure out how to work together for the common good of the taxpayers.
I am a Tople friend and am biased but always calling a spade a spade.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:10 am
I do not know Tople and I think it is very mean spirted to trash people. Until we know who you are and your faults, please be respectful to the people who are courgeous enough to sign their name to this blog!!
October 9th, 2007 at 11:13 am
So on this page we have 14 comments and not one addresses the issue at hand…..Wade Else was selected by the city council and I believe this was the right choice. Hiring from within the department will continue the servcie the citizens receive now and should help keep the morale at the department at the same level. I beleive the city does need to look at a better way to keep officer’s and lower the turnover. That is something I have no suggestion on, given law enforcement has a high turnover rate anywhere in the country.
October 9th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I just hope the council opens the door to take other applicants. If they don’t explore who else is out there how will they know if they have the right person to take the department to the next level?
October 10th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Who is Heath Tople and why are people concerned about him?
October 10th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I’m one of several concerned citizens that only want what is best for Brandon. Apparently, those who are lying to us all see me as a threat. However, Christine here is something you should consider:….did you know that we have 4 UN-CERTIFIFIED police officers on our current force!! That’s 40% of our PD is out carrying a loaded weapon and is NOT certified to do so and has not even had the most basic training to be a police officer other than some observation. Does that sound like a good idea? If you think so, you’re out of your mind. It is my understanding that in order for a police officer in South Dakota to be “certified” he/she must attend the training academy in Pierre for a number of weeks and be taught the essential skills and techniques of police work. I am not totally familiar with their entire curriculum, but I do know that it is an intensive program and one that EVERY one of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Sioux Falls Police Department are required to attend. In addition, certified law enforcement officers are required to become “weapons qualified” at least once every 12 months, but I believe it is actually twice a year. In this instance a qualified weapons expert puts the candidate through a series of testing to make sure they can discharge their weapon quickly, safetly, and accuratetly. If they don’t reach a minimum number score…they do NOT pass and must re-take the training. I DO NOT BELEIVE ANY OF THE FOUR officers I spoke of are “pistol qualified,” yet they carry these side arms and theoretically could draw and discharge them in the course of duty. I am personally aware of a number of our veteran officers who have gone WELL BEYOND the required time for weapons certification and have even had to attempt to pass more than once. We in Brandon have been in the habit of hiring non-certified officers with the intension to eventually sending them to the academy (at city expense) so that can receive that training and use it on the streets of Brandon…that coupled with a length of time were they shadow a veteran officer and learn real-life practical technique. Is that a good idea for Brandon? What do you think? I know this exact question has been asked of both Mayor Larry Beesley and Chief Youngdale.
October 10th, 2007 at 9:53 am
To #17 community advisor: By advertising for the position, the City Council has opened the door to take other applicants. The deadline for applying is Monday, Oct. 15.
To #18 Christine: Heath is a former City Councilman from Ward I. He also ran for mayor once.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Heath Tople is 37! What a good looking dude. Talk about aging gracefully! I could only wish to be you. Good to hear from you Heath! I’ve always appreciated your willingness to put yourself out there and speak up. Take care!
October 10th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Heath,
Again don’t know what he is talking about. Police Officers have 12 months to get certified from the time they are hired with a department if they are full time. Yes, I think Brandon has some uncertified officers, but they are not given weapons until they are qualified to use them. I think Barry is a certified instructor and does qualify them before they are handed a weapon, use some common sense. That’s why this BLOGGING is a load of crap because people like you get on here and publish non-sense and don’t have all the facts either. The academy does not cost the department anything but the hourly wage for the person attending; it is funded by the state. Get the facts before you start printing stuff.
October 10th, 2007 at 11:11 am
Actually Community Advisor, your post #4 is why blogging is a “load of crap”. Hmmm, I wonder who you could be? City council, someone currently serving, someone with some history in the City of Brandon, not particularly intelligent, doesn’t attend church on a regular basis (but should). The list is pretty short. You’ve already given yourself away.
October 10th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Nice one #23….Who’s full of crap…..I personally spoke with the new female officer within the past few months….she HAS NOT been to the academy and is carrying a sidearm! You are a lying SOB! We may disagree, but don’t just out and out lie! Also, the FACT remains we have 40% of our officers who are NOT certified….you show me otherwise and if they are NOT carrying weapons. I spoke with Barry several times as the former Police Councilman about weapons certification. He is qualified to do so, but very ofen the department would use Canton Police Chief Al Wornok. He also spoke of veterans who would evade his insistence on getting their certification up to date regularly. Listen to yourself, “the academy doesn’t cost the department anything but the hourly wage of the person attending….” IT COSTS THE CITY SOMETHING, by your own admission we are spending money from the city and receiving NO service. Why don’t YOU get the facts before you go spouting off!!
October 10th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Alica, could you do us all a favor, give Heath and Community Advisor their own seperate blog so that people that want to read their bickering can and those that do not will know not to enter the blog.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
#23 if you would read the Argus Leader Crimminal section (10/08/2007) you could have read this yourself. But I guess if the honest Heath Tople is dening this do some research? Honesty is key Tople, tell the people. Fact, Facts, Facts you want them tell the truth?
October 10th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I am sorry about the bickering. I just don’t like it when people get on here and don’t know what they are talking about and try and sway a person opinion. I would like to say just attend the meeting and find out the facts for yourselves. I have been to them all and have not seen Mr. Tople at any 1 of them. Officers have to qualify with their firearms once a year, that’s it. State standards! I know the city has a field training program, may not be as good as the counties or the city of Sioux Falls but if you think for 1 minute that the city would allow the police department to turn a guy or gal loose with a loaded weapon and not be trained how to use it you’re crazy. The only costs to the city for getting a officer certified is that officers wages, ask they will tell you. The county and Sioux Falls have the same programs; they do not send officers right away to see if they are going to make it in the field. Some decide that police work is not for them and change their minds after they get on the street for awhile, so why send them to the academy right away? Makes sense to me. I just ask to get the facts for yourselves and don’t listen to the bags of hot air on this blog. Thank You!
October 10th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Another wonderful comment! #27 Glad there are other’s who know what they are talking about! Other than the Great Pretenders!
October 10th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
All I can say is I am done trying to convince someone so unbelievably ignorant and who blatantly LIES!!! I was at every City Council meeting for over 4 years….where you? I spoke with an armorer for the County Sheriff’s Office as well as for the SF PD. State Law requires you to be certified TWICE within 12 months. You’ve been to all of the meetings…since when? I too agree…get the facts from those who have the courage to say who they are and attribute their source, not some HOT AIR BAG who STILL is too much of coward to come out from hiding behind a false name. I also find it interesting that the only thing you can seem to find to throw back at me is some 90 days nonsense. I renew my challenge…..call me or meet me face to face anytime if you have the courage! To everyone else…..I’m sorry you have to endure the attacks and lies.
October 10th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I will be nice and not touch Mr. Topel’s ignorant message. So are you saying you have not been charged with the crimes I have mentioned? Honest now, Mr. Topel. Where you at the last few meetings, that’s what I thought! Now, Shut up! Sorry everyone, I had to vent 1 last time. It won’t happen again, on to positive things.
October 10th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
GOD Community Advisor you’re a dick! You first insult someone and then say you’re sorry to everyone. I’ve just re-read all 30 posts on this thread and all of the other related threads. Maybe you should just shut up, that would definetely be on to positive things! By the way, I know Heath Tople and he can spell his name. That’s probably why he uses it when he sends messages, and why you don’t.
October 10th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Why don’t you, America the FREE!
October 10th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
See you in church on Sunday Community Advisor?
October 11th, 2007 at 7:56 am
I feel that the discussion about 40% or 30% of our officers not being certified, to some degree should be a concern. I’m not going to lose any sleep over it though, as I have the upmost respect for Phil and the city police staff. I have lived in this town for three decades and have never questioned our police force. I don’t think that Phil would put an irresponsible individual out on the streets. I don’t care what Heath or Community Advisor are saying. NOW if either of them were applicants for the police force, after what I’ve read here on the blog, no way would I hire either for even dog catcher.
Our city is in goods hand with the police force, It will all work it’s self out. I intend on being at the meetings, just as I was at the last one, as I am concerned for the existing officers.
If we have to trim the budget, I can garantee there are other places to trim money, ie, golf course, spiecial interest groups, and the Extra $ that Dennis has in each departments budgets for his little projects.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:49 am
#23 Anonymous Says, and what does church have to do with this unless you are Rev Kev, shaming me again.
October 11th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I know who you are. You should be more careful with the information that you reveal with your posts. You wouldn’t want the words that you’ve posted to come back and get you in a good ol’ boys club election.
October 11th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
If councilman Kloster is reading this blog, my emails come back as undeliverable. Can anyone send an email to kkloster@cityofbrandon.org, or is it just me? I know this isn’t on the subject, but neither are most of the things in this blog.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
This sounds more like Heath Tople Problems. nothing about The assistants job?
I do think they need some one with collage and some experence to run the dept. When was the last time Wade worked Night shift or weekends?
seems to me he has had the Banker hours. 7am to 430pm.M-F for along time
guess thats why he wants chief that way his hours won’t change. He needs to be a real cop and work night shift get out and work with some of the real people that are out at night. not just get free coffee at the gas stations in Brandon. thats why you don’t see a cop car at Caseys! NO FREE POP OR DONUTS THERE! Last Time I stopped into the gas station + taco Johns I had to pay full price for my meal.
I also find it hard to belive out of 50 applications no one was already certified in law Enforcment? so we wouldnt’ have to pay to send anouther officer to cop Class..
October 11th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Would people please stop blaming Dennis for everything??? He just ADMINISTERS, he doesn’t make the decisions! The council decides what “little projects” get done i.e. tennis courts (cuz ya know, a couple of councilpeople’s kids play. surprised we didn’t end up with a city funded bowling alley), the golf course that’s SUPPOSED TO BE SELF FUNDING, and a couple of other things that weren’t necessary, but we gotta have ‘em. For years, the city ran in the black, we always had plenty of leftover cash, (this was under the Shultz admin), now, we were lucky to have $500 at the end of the year, which I’m sure was put to good use…(I was just cleaning out my dog kennel, do I get a steak dinner at Brandon Steakhouse, too? I mean, I know I was doing my job and all, but I loves their steak sammi on Fridays..mmmmMmmmmMmmmmm)
I think this topic is dead. I think all the nastiness has been spewed, and now everyone knows there’s a underlying scent of hate and discontent amongst the constituency. Use that during the next election…get out and vote…get out and tell people who you’re voting for and why. All the negative energy that’s been spilled here, use it for real change.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:01 pm
I’ve read lots of references to the police at the gas station. I’ll admit all I know about police work is from what I’ve seen on T.V., but the gas station is near the intersection of the two main streets coming into town, between two banks, near the biggest kid hangout in the county, close to a bar, across from a high school and near where most of the calls in the police log seem to occur. You might argue they should be 100 feet further north, but it seems a better place to sit than in city hall. My opinion anyway.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Who is blamming Dennis for everything? What planet did you just come from?
October 11th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
#39. Obviously it was planet Schultz.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Or maybe it was planet Schulzdenny?
October 12th, 2007 at 10:43 am
The city has yet to look inside the department for its problem. I feel some more resignations coming down the pipe? Mark my work on that 1. Its more than money but they refused to address it I guess. Soon Brandon will have to go with the county for lack of officers.
October 12th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
whatwhatwhat…
#41…lookie at #34. Then 4 minutes later, when your brain has caught up…
#42…lookie at #34…then when you’ve stopped hitting the pot pipe and your brain is clear…about 21 minutes later, you rapier wit, you…
#43…lookie at #34….
While you’re busy referencing #34, I will be drinking a beer on planet ShultzDenny. It’s an awesome place…full of common sense, truthiness, and really hot women. Only 3 light years away from Ice Cold Water in Wall!!!
October 12th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Ok, I think my brain has caught up.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Seems to me that your are the paranoid one since you said that everyone is blaming Dennis.
But from what I see in these blogs, his name is only mentioned in post #34.
I think there are plenty of other names mentioned, or indirectly mentioned besides Dennis’s.
Back to planet earth.
November 5th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
with Wade being the new interim police chief we may want to look at the perks that he is already getting. on Saturday night NOV. 3rd what do you see pull up in front of sneakers bar a police cruiser with (2) officers in it and the interim chief get in the back to get a ride home from the bar. Good for him for not driving home, but why cant he call home to get a ride from his wife. so if i need a ride home from the bar does that mean that i can call the police department and get a ride since i am a tax payer also. if thats the case that is great. i see this as a new policy on public relations. GREAT IDEA WADE