Goodbye, Chief
August 7th, 2007 by 
jtatefinn
Phil Youngdale is stepping down as Brandon’s police chief.
He made the announcement at Monday’s city council meeting and said he last day will be Nov. 23.
Youngdale has worked for the Brandon Police Department for about 25 years and has been chief for nearly as long, 24 years this September.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Youngdale a number of times over the past year I’ve covered Brandon. Though quite possibly one of the busiest men I know, he always managed to squeeze me into his schedule to talk about new police officers, crime statistics and other police business.
My best wishes go out to Youngdale and to the department he leaves behind.
Good luck to the one who steps in to fill Youngdale’s shoes, and to the department, which has struggled for some time to keep the good, young officers it hires, such as Officer Aaron Bartscher, who also submitted a letter of resignation Monday. Bartscher, the department’s school resource officer, said his last day is Aug. 20.
With two experienced officers leaving the force, I’m wondering: what is the best way to attract - and keep - officers to Brandon?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
August 7th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Chief Youngdale has been an important and invaluable part of the growth of Brandon. He is one of those dedicated public servants that the world could use more of. Thank you Phil!
August 7th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Thank you Phil for your dedicated service to this community…
August 7th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I just wanted to say thanks to Phil for his years of service to Brandon. He is a fine man and has done wonderful things for this city! Thanks for everything Phil. Happy retirement!!
August 7th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Congratulations and thank you Phil!! I hate to see you retire but wish you the best!
August 7th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Phil,
Thanks again for all the help you gave me over the years when I was the editor of the Brandon Valley Challenger.
Thanks especially for picking up my daughter when she was in kindergarten and missed the bus after school on a day the temperature was 2 degrees below zero. She walked about a half mile before someone noticed her and called you. Thank you a lot for getting her and returning her to safely to her family.
And thanks for serving the town for so many years.
Alica
August 8th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I remember meeting Officer Youngdale for the first time in my DARE program in 1990. I have always thought he was such a nice man and fair and just when it came to policing Brandon. We’ll definitely miss you!!!
August 9th, 2007 at 8:42 am
Congratulations to Phil on a great career and thanks for your service to Brandon.
Brandon has an obvious problem in retaining police officers. Brandon has become a training ground and revolving door for officers to enter, get their state certification, and then go to another department that pays better. The council and mayor need to realize that in order to retain, they need to pay. Brandon should be a place where officers come to better their career, rather than start their career. For a city its size, Brandon should be attracting officers from smaller departments who seek better pay, better equipment and better hours. However, that is not the case and we will continue to be a revolving door until the council comes to grips with the issue and does what it takes to retain officers. Brandon should also seek to hire a police chief and officers who have a vision of community policing. Policing is more than just running radar on Rice and Redwood. Our new chief and officers should be encouraged to be an active part of an active community, and take part in community events, service clubs, school functions, neighborhood watch, public safety open houses, ride-along program, and other public outreach and education functions. This is a golden opportunity for Brandon to create a new image for our police department.
August 12th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Phil is one of the original cops and now all we have is Barry…the rest of them are all way to mean. Now you won’t even be able to leave your house, especially Else…jese
August 13th, 2007 at 3:25 am
I agreet that Brandon has seen 5 of its officer’s leave in the past 5 years. 3 in the past year alone and the rest always looking with the exception of the 2 Sgts. Now since the city has recently upped the wage’s of the offier’s it is no where near it should be. However, is it really about the money?? or the fact that Else is an abusive person who thinks he can do whatever he wants thanks to Phil empowering him to do so. I seriously think the city council needs to dig a bit deeper other than the pockets to find the true reason for the mass exodis. I certainly hope the city does NOT promote Else. If they do. I’m moving out of Brandon and I would bet those remaining officer’s left all quit too.. Intersting that because of Else..the rest of the officer’s are judged by his actions and are also called “the rest of them are all way to mean. Now you won’t even be able to leave your house, especially Else…jese “
August 14th, 2007 at 6:52 am
I agree with “fj” that the police officers should be seen at community events and functions. This is a vital part of ther job (maybe even more than picking up speeders on Redwood!!) On that note, Sgt. Else is VERY involved in our community. More so than any other officer in this town. Sgt. Else has volunteered countless hours in baseball, soccer, football, you name it and he probably has been involved in it. I don’t know anything about the “politics” down at the police station, but I wanted to let people know that Sgt Else is a great guy who cares about our kids and our community!
August 14th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Hello,
Phil, enjoy your retirement! I hope you have many happy years ahead of you!
The “police department” topic has caught my eye. I have a few comments & questions. How has Mr. Else been abusive? Has he been “written up” for inappropriate behavior on the job? Is this abuse a documented fact or an opinion. No disrespect intended towards 4PD and jese, I am just trying to educate myself and get a little background info-I’m not too educated on police department issues and politics.
In my opinion, I feel the only officers that are going to stay here long term are officers that love the community. It’s about priorities. Cops who are interested in a higher salary aren’t going to get it in a town like ours (even though they should). Brandon is a place for them to gain experience then move on. When the salary isn’t as big of a priority, cops are more apt to stay. There are pros and cons to every job. Right now it seems that Brandon is a stepping stone for anyone looking for bigger opportunities. Are we a typical community for the “revolving door” that FJ mentioned? Have other communities like ours found a way around this? Or, is our town unique in this way? Thanks to all that posted and I look forward to hearing your responses and learning more!
August 14th, 2007 at 10:29 am
If you know Else like I do personally……then you would know exactly what I’m talking about.
August 14th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I feel it is rediculous the amount of turnover. Turnover is expensive and I myself would like to have officers with experience coming to my door. It is sad that the council cannot see there are issues in the department that cause the leaving of officers. It is time for someone to take the time and find out what the issues are. The one thing I saw years ago was 2% increases for City employees. I would ask who on that council receives less than cost of living and is happy. Time to open their eyes and quit worrying about the GOLF COURSE.
August 14th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I support what anonymous said. If the council would take a look inside the department and maybe speak with the Officers or interview the ones that are on the way out, maybe find out what the issues are, could it get fixed? I seems as though the council and the city leaders are more intrested in other areas. I feel that pay is one thing but not the total overall problem. If you watch the city minutes you willl see that the street department guys are making more money per hour than the police officers that serve your community. They do a great job maintaining our streets, but do they put their lives on the line to do it? The officers seem to only be wanted around when needed,as momof5 said. Running radar and protecting the kids of the community from speeding motorist is just one of their many jobs.
August 14th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
The only reason you see Else out in the communicty more is he’s always at the schools getting a free meal. I have seen him in his squad car go one of the clinic’s in town and them come back out 30 min or so..hmm i dont think that is community policing..sounds more like using the city time clock for personal business.! wake up people and see what it really going on and the motives behind it. I have seen officer’s out at all the high school games, always there talking to people. COME ON! how naive to you have to be to see that 4 count them FOUR officer’s have left in 8 months. ITS got to be more about the pay. and those that complain about the speeding tickets. a ticket now to remind you to slow down is alot better than them telling you to “HOLD ON! your going to be alright..they almost have you cut out of your vehicle.”
August 14th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
i meant to say its has to be something else and not about the pay. If you are happy where you work but the pay not so great. you’ll still be happy to stay where you are because finding a job and being happy where you are is a very very hard thing to find these days. Plus..when a person who mow’s the lawn “green’s keeper” has a starting wage over 20 dollars an hour?? there’s something backwards there.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Maybe they need to look how Sioux falls Police dept runs there dept. Seniority might help.
and rotating shifts. so officers get a weekend off. not just certain officers. this will never change unless some one news steps into the dept and starts things with a new idea.
Mark my words nothing will change as long as you keep the same people in charge of things.
Horold
August 14th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
4pd is exactly right. When he’s not at the high school he’s at the gas station moochin off them for free coffee or driving around. I’ve never ever seen him outside of that car of his unless he’s eating or talking to other police officers.
August 14th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
I think 4pd must see what goes on around here. Hey lets hang out at my wifes store for awhile, thats community policing….right (Expressway)At least I got out of the car…LOL It’s bad when one could go take care of the grounds at the Golf Course and make more than the officers that put on a vest and wear weapons to do their jobs. Drive worn out vehicles with out dated equipment, but they still come running when called, now thats dedication.
August 14th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
The Brandon Police Dept does an outstanding job and everyone should be happy they are here to serve you. The city of Brandon will have a big hole to fill with Chief Youngdale leaving and I would only hope they would be smart enough to look within the dept to fill his position. As far as you go 4PD no one can take you seriously because each time you enter a post there is a mispelled word or some statement that would indicate you are not very intelligent.
August 15th, 2007 at 6:53 am
Its seems to me that 4PD and Says know a lot about how the police force is run in this town. If you guys know so much how come your not answering the questions about Sgt Else being written up? Is there anything documented that he is abusive and not doing his job? And when did this post become a sounding board on trashing Sgt Else? I thought this was supposed to be about thanking Phil for everything he has done for this city. I again thank Phil for his years of service and I think that the Brandon PD is doing a great job! Keep up the good work!
August 15th, 2007 at 7:14 am
first of all if spelling erros is all that your concerned about. Your ingnorant. A my mind thinks alot faster than i can type . As for phils retirement have a good one. I do not think it is a good idea for a mayor goes public that Else would be the likely candadit. Does this come from aconversaton I wonder, that ensure that he won’t be picked up again? as for write ups on Else i wouldnt know i’m not privey to any personnell issues whithin the dept. thats what executive sessions are for. Else is a moody sob. Why cant barry williams be interim? he’s been there longer that else, and he at least thinks in this century. All the officer’s do a find job. 1 helped a lady give birth to her child in the parking of coffee cup and 2 other’s saved a man from killing himsef. They must be doing something right. There is not much crime, and very minimal accidents. They are alot more visible in Brandon then sioux falls. I can drive for an hour straight in siox falls and not see one cop car. Here, I see at least 1 an hour or so. The Else supporters on the blog sounds like he’s done some “look the other way:”favors. You know thats how all that crap started in Garretson.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:47 am
4PD, you say you see at least 1 Brandon PD/hour? You must live by the golf course or only drive on Holly, Split Rock and/or Redwood! I’ve went days and not seen a Brandon PD around. Of course, I don’t live by the golf course, or drive on afore mentioned streets much. I live in the older part of town, just a few blocks from the police station. This summer the police have probably driven by a mere handful of times, and that is due to road construction I would bet. The 3 schools are within blocks of each other, kids all school year long walk down those streets. People will speed excessively down them. Never a cop to be seen, I would like to know the stats on speeding tickets given out by Brandon PD. I wonder what percentages of speeding tickets are issued on roads other than Split Rock, Holly, or Redwood
August 15th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Happy Retirement Phil! Are you still driving bus?
I think all good long term employees deserve an opportunity to fill the position of Chief of Police but to blindly give it to an existing employee is not correct. The purpose of posting the job opportunity is so that all AVAILABLE , QUALIFIED , and INTERESTED candidates can apply.
If Wade (I like and think does a good job) Else is the best candidate then the committee will make that decision. If a better applicant comes along then hopefully the committee would make that decision. The bottom line is the City of Brandon DESERVES the best candidate for the job. That person might be in that position for the next 20+ yrs
so MAKE sure it is the best candidate in the market place.
Good Luck to our city leaders on making this decision and we as a community should support them versus second guessing them on this issue.
The cream will rise to the top. The city of Brandon deserves the best candidate not just
August 15th, 2007 at 8:31 am
I can honestly say that Sgt Else has NEVER given me or my family any special treatment. To say something like that on this blog is insulting and very ignorant!! Why don’t you go ask the mayor about special treatment? I can’t believe that someone would honestly say that about Sgt Else or anyone else on this police force. It sounds like you have a lot of personal issues with Sgt Else. Maybe you should be dealing with him directly instead of spouting off on a blog.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Moderator, please…..this is a great thread, but it is getting quite nasty around here!
Thank you!
August 15th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Ok, folks, let’s be nice or I’ll have to pull over and turn this blog around.
It might be a good idea to re-read your blog entry and think about it for a minute before you hit Submit Comment.
August 15th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Hey 4PD, who is ignorant? You can’t even spell ignorant, not to mention “errors”, “candidate”, “personnel”, “within”, “himself”, “privy” and “Sioux Falls”. What exactly do you mean by this sentence “I do not think it is a good idea for a mayor goes public that Else would be the likely candadit.” Or this one “Does this come from aconversaton I wonder, that ensure that he won’t be picked up again?” or this one “he’s been there longer that else, and he at least thinks in this century.” I am actually surprised you know how to turn on a computer…
August 15th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I am sorry to see Phil leave! I didn’t know it, but I certainly wish him the best retirement. We have been a lunch community to have him for so long.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:06 am
It bothers me a little when people pick apart one man and his career. Mr. Else has spent over fifeteen years serving this community and this is the thanks he gets. The beverages and food provided by the convienent stores and school district is provided for all police officials, not just Mr. Else. Mr. Else has donated countless hours serving the community and teaching our youth. As a former employee of the police department I can say Mr. Else was the first person to open a helping hand when in need. I understand that by doing your job you cannot make everyone happy, but don’t make this site a place to peronally attack one man and his family. This site is to thank Phil for his years of service to the community of Brandon, so please leave the bashing out of this one. Phil it was a pleasure to work for you and congrats on retiring.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
It is time for a change with in the Brandon PD. The Brandon PD officers are really only able/allowed to do two things: speeding tickets and barking dog tickets.
We are in desperate need of a change within the Brandon PD.
Just because Wade Else is a hometown boy in no way does that make him qualified to be the next Chief of Police. Also just because you work for an agency for many years, also does not qualify you to run the agency.
Brandon is growing at a rapid pace and we need to look outside the department for someone with a larger scope of experience, knowledge and resources to lead the Police department in order to handle the issues within our rapidly growing city. We will likely have this choice in place for the next 20 years, let’s be cautious and make the right decision for the future.
The position needs to be opened up to a search for the best candidate or maybe there are other options that would be better that are out there. Look at what all the other towns in the county are doing for law enforcement!
August 15th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
4PD–you should maybe re read the Brandon paper where the mayor states that Officer Else would be a good candidate for the job. I think the mayor was indicating that he would be the fill in for the school resource officer, and not making a blanket statement about the chief of police.
I agree with the nastiness of this blog. Good Grief, if you have a problem with Officer Else, you need to see your council person. They are the ones that you have voted in to speak for you—use that voice.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
We are in need of a change within the Brandon PD. The only thing they are allowed/able to do is: speeding tickets and barking dog tickets.
Just because Wade Else is a hometown boy does not make him qualified to be the next Chief of Brandon PD. Also just working for an agency for 15 years DOES NOT automatically qualify you to run the agency. The position should be opened up to find the best candidate/option that has a better scope of knowledge, expertise and resources to do the job. The choice that will be made, will likely be in place for the next 20 years. So let’s find the best candidate to handle the problems that will arise with a rapidly growing city.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Ok first of all, if you knew Else personally as well as I do, you would know he’s a liar and a backstabber! I know this and I promise you it’s true. You can be his friend one minute then the next he’s sniffing around trying to find ways to rat you out just to better his job. Barry is the best one we have, and he’s been there the longest, if anyone should be a canidate it’s him.
August 15th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
To ….: You say we can believe you, but who is going to vouch for you? We have no idea of who you are.
In any case, people, if you want to point out someone’s behavior, specific examples are acceptable. Name calling is not.
In one of the Argus Leader forums (regarding Sneakers), a poster calls me a “burnout.” Apparently the specific example he is using to confirm this label is that he remembers seeing me smoke a cigarette behind the bowling alley back in the early 1970s, when I was in high school.
Either his memory is faulty or mine is, because I’m not a smoker. Never Have been. And I have no recollection of ever having smoked behind the bowling alley.
And even if it was true – which it isn’t – I suspect most folks wouldn’t equate that behavior with a burnout.
So let’s just all cool it, eh?
Thanks very much.
August 15th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
No you have no idea who I am, and I have no idea who you people are. I know I can’t make you people believe me so all I can do is complain about it. I just wish people would find out what’s behind him like I can see it.
August 15th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
first of all. thanks mr professor of pointing out my spelling errors. what point does that make? i’ a bad typist big deal. second. i read the article in no way did it insinuate that else was going be to be a “temporary” school officer. he implied chief. i just simpley said that the city needs to look deeper than its pockets to the reason why so many officer’s are leaving. to Phil..I can see why your retiring. How did you manage to put up with of this kind of turmoil is beyond me. happy retirement
August 15th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Wow!! I am amazed at all this garbage!I want to first thank Phil for all he and the other officers have done to keep our community safe!!As a father of two small children its nice to have them outside playing and not worrying about crime, kidnapping etc.We have a great community here.For those who have so much negative and hurtful allegations towards Wade, why dont you have the courage to show who you are. Otherwise keep your thoughts to yourself.Remember we are all human and have faults…..even anonymous “bloggers”. We have enough hate in this world lets settle down! Thanks to Phil and the department(even those that have left to better themselves).
August 15th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
thank you Phil for all you have done for this community…I think you are wonderful…as for the next police chief..please think before you just put someone in there. I have known of Else for a looong time and I would have to agree that he is a big backstabber! I bet if you asked all the officers that left or asked any of the current officers what the problem is here in Brandon their first words out of their mouths would only 4 letters…ELSE…..
August 15th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Phil,
Can’t you stay a while??? You’re not old enough to retire anyway
I remember us getting a warning 25 years ago for not wearing eye protection on a motorcycle. I believe you also questioned my age…too bad that doesn’t still happen, ha ha.
Really, where have the years gone?
Good luck and happy retirement, don’t be a stranger.
August 15th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I would like to thank those of you that have expressed such kind comments about my career with the Brandon Police Department. As my notice of retirement stated to the city council, I feel fortunate that I have been able to provide a service to this community and still have a career that I have loved for all these years. Brandon is home and even though I do not know alot of the newer residents in our community, those that I have gotten to know, those that I have known for years and those that I have seen grow up in Brandon and return to live in the community are the reason that this job has been so important to me.
As a police department it is important that we maintain the safe, clean community that we have. If we have a reputation for enforcing the laws, it is done to keep our community safe. This department, not unlike any other police departments, has more contact with the public then all other departments in city government. There are going to be times when citizens or visitors may get upset with an officer. No one likes to get a ticket. Over the years I have dealt with numerous complaints. Most of the time we have found resolve due to understanding the nature of the police business and what the expectation is from the community. We do not want to be stopped for speeding, but we don’t want anyone speeding through our neighborhoods where our kids are playing.
I have read the comments that were previously printed. I think it is unfortunate that this forum is be used in this manner. If there are complaints about any of my officers, there is a mechanism in place to address them. Starting with myself as the department head, the City Administrator, the HR administrator, the council person in your ward and the Mayor.
Again, thank you for the kind comments. They mean a great deal to me. Phil
August 15th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I have lived here for 2 years, and Wade was one of the first people i met. He has welcomed me to the comunnity and been a good friend. I also agree with Tripp, if you spineless cowards can’t sign your name when you have something to say then don’t say nothing at all. Go get em Wade!!
August 15th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Keep my thoughts to myself? This is an open forum, so I don’t have to keep anything to myself.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Phil……why is it that wade can go to someones house and sit there and play cards for 2 to 3 hours at a time and it’s no problem, but one officer makes one mistake and he gets canned? Answer me that….probably because Wade is a backstabber and ratted him out to better his job.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Phil……why is it that wade can go to someones house and sit there and play cards for 2 to 3 hours at a time, while on dudty and it’s no problem, but one officer makes one mistake and he gets canned? Answer me that….probably because Wade is a backstabber and ratted him out to better his job.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Please Alicia, shut this one down, so this can stop. It’s doing nothing but be hurtful. I understand freedom of speech, but not when it’s as hurtful as this has been.
August 16th, 2007 at 5:26 am
Congrats to Chief Youngdale on his retirement. The man served his community and state for over 25 years, and did it in a humble manner. For all of you making comments about the officer’s in Brandon, WAKE UP! Have any of you ever done the job? If so I am guessing you did not do it long or left the job disgruntled. People should realize that being a police officer is a lifetime job, not just when you are in the car or in uniform. How many people in the world do a job that requires them to be available at anytime of day or night for whatever reason? Think about that the next time you cut a man down for getting a cup of coffee or having lunch with his kid at school. How many nights did that man spend away from his family watching your back yard? You people should all be ashamed of yourself for cutting down the police department. I agree with freedom of speech and commenting, but did you think this was the appropriate place? If you want to join the police department put in an application and see how much fun it can be. Take that call at three in the morning where the drunk has just beat up his wife and now wants to kick you around and you have to talk him down for 10-15 minutes hoping a back up officer gets there to help you before the wrestling match starts. Those of us who have signed up for this job did it for the service. We do not do it for the pay, the hours, or the recognition. The next time you sit and spew about what is bothering you, maybe you should think a little about what you are saying. I would like to thank Officer Else and all others on the BPD who watch my backyard everynight while I am in my bed sleeping.
August 16th, 2007 at 6:48 am
Amen Anonymous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not have said it better myself!
August 16th, 2007 at 8:56 am
To clarify things, Mayor Beesley and Dennis Olson have both said the position of chief of police will be advertised, which means any member of the Brandon Police Department or someone from outside the community may apply for the job. No one will be appointed to the position without going through the traditional hiring process. Mayor Beesley’s comment about Sgt. Else filling in, relates to the school resource officer position. If you read the article, those comments are in that portion of the story.
I believe Mayor Beesley, Dennis Olson and Dan Oakland are intelligent enough to sort through the applications and interview the best candidates for the job, from which they will make their selection. They recently went through this process in finding Brandon’s new assistant city administrator.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:01 am
It’s good that Anonymous agrees with free speech. It’s bad that he believes there are places free speech is inappropriate.
I do also agree there are some issues with the police department. My case in point: I was ticketed for a barking dog. When I called the police department and asked the ticketing office if he checked my back yard to make sure there was nobody in it, he informed me it is not his job to look in my back yard. He stated, he received a complaint therefore he ticketed me. There were 6 men in my backyard at the time according to my neighbors. All 6 were working on the phone system. I had not been notified that they would be there so I left my dog outside. That part does not bother me. What I really find interesting is the fact that according to this Brandon PD officer, it’s not his job to keep my house and family safe. If that is true, then we should fire every member of the Brandon PD and bring in new officers. Obviously I hope this is not true, I just feel the Brandon PD has become lazy and more concerned with patrolling Tallgrass and the golf course than actually patrolling the city of Brandon.
I do feel the Brandon PD does a pretty good job. We obviously have a safe community, which would be one of the reasons I chose to move here. But if my two cents are worth anything (since I don’t live in Tallgrass or by the golf course I’m not sure it carries much weight with the city council) I hope Brandon contracts with Minnehaha.
I would also like to congratulate Phil on his retirement. Most who spends their life in law enforcement deserves it. Obviously as with any job, you have those who take advantage of there position. I don’t think Phil was one of those, there isn’t that much to gain from abuse of power in Brandon South Dakota. Good luck, Phil and enjoy the fishing!
August 16th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Do not make a comment about all officers when you had a bad experience with one. THe comment to fire all is an insult to the ones who do their job well and have for years. It is a thankless job anyway and this is a slap to those who are and have been dedicated to this community. The above statements show why officers rethink why they do what they do.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:40 am
There are indeed places where free speech is inappropriate.
Being polite and showing class are always in order.
Being rude and mean are never in order, even if it is free speech.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Anonymous, if you read my entire comment you would have read that I obviously hope what I said was not true, therefore it would not require firing all officers. I also stated that I do feel the BPD does a pretty good job, as we do have a pretty safe community.
As far as it being a thankless job, I can’t change that. Only the officers themselves who are interacting with the community can change that. If I were an officer, and the community appeared to be thankless. I would take a look at the way I treat the community.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Alica, you couldn’t be more wrong. There is never a place in a free society where free speech is inappropriate!
I do agree with you that it is inappropriate to be rude and/or mean even if it is free speech.
I hope I have not come across as being mean or rude in this blog, that was definitely not my intention. Blogs are great places for people to express their opinions. Problem is, blogs, unlike actually talking lack inflection and emotion. Therefore what is a seemingly innocent statement to some can be an insult to others.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:35 am
May I suggest starting a blog on discussing the Brandon Police Department? That way, those what would like to wish Phil goodbye could continue to use this one, and those who would like to discuss any feelings on the BPD would have a place more suitable.
August 16th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Amen to that one brother!!!!!!
August 16th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Re: #49. Isn’t the chief one of the positions that is appointed solely by the mayor? Just like the city attorney.
August 16th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Wow! It makes me terribly sad to read all of this, especially when the purpose of this blog is to wish a man well on his retirement. I would first like to say congratulations to Phil, and wish him all the best. As the wife of a member of law enforcement (not a Brandon officer, though), I know first hand all about the long hours and stress of the job, and 25 years is a long time to live with that, so thank you for all you have done for the community. I would also like anyone who feels the need to comment about officers stopping for coffee at the gas station, or eating lunch at school to consider that this could be these officer’s breaktimes, or do you not think they should get to take a break? And do you realize how often when they are on break, they get stopped by citizens asking questions, etc? They are happy to do it, happy to help if they can, and happy to do the job they signed on to do, but I don’t know any of us that have the right to question these people’s right to take a break? And the truth is, yes, we have the right of free speech, but the thing we seem to have lost is human decency. We seem not to care if we insult others, or hurt anyone with our words. If everyone stopped to think about what they were doing and saying, and how it would feel to be on the receiving end of that, the world would turn a lot more smoothly. And for anyone who feels they have a legitimate complaint, as Chief Youngdale pointed out, there are ways to address that. But maybe noone who is complaining here wants to actually stand up and say anything when someone would know who they are?
August 16th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Congratulations, Phil, on your retirement and thank you for all your hard work!! I will not forget that on my child’s 1st day of school as a first grader that she ended up on the wrong bus on the way home from school. She was extremely shy and didn’t say anything and didn’t even know it was the wrong bus until it went past her bus stop. Luckily Phil was driving the bus and remembered her from the year before when he drove her bus to Kindergarten. He turned the bus around and got her to the right bus stop. You’ll never know how important that was to a concerned mother!!! Thanks Phil!!
As a sideline it is so unfortunate that some people need to put others down in order to make themselves feel lifted up. You shouldn’t judge others unless you’ve been in their shoes and know the exact circumstances. I happen to know Wade Else is a great person who would go out of his way to help anyone and is a great supporter of the Brandon community.
August 16th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
First of all I would like to wish Phil good luck on his retirement he truly deserves it. Phil has been a great Chief for the city of Brandon. I am one of the officer that is leaving this department. The citizens of Brandon have a great Police Department. It was a hard decision that toke great thought and prayer for me to leave the Brandon Police Department but I beleive I am making the right decision to better myself and my visions for my life. It has nothing to do with Wade, Phil or anyone on this department. The pay has gotten better over the last years but could be better. The people on the Department or good people. Of course we all have are sqaubbles and dislikes about eachother but who doesn’t. I will admit that I have opened my mouth in disgust over some issues regarding Wade and for that I apologize. Wade is a great man and has put in his time here in Brandon. I also believe the city will make its decision for Chief and everyone should respect that. I encourage anyone that has issues with Wade speak to him in person as a responsible adult should do. I should also comment as the school resource officer I would eat lunch at the school and yes would joined me numerous times and also ate lunch at the school when I wasn’t available. First of all Wade interacts with kids wonderfully he talks with them gets down to their level and hangs out with them. Yes this is a true form of community policing. Let me close by saying Please stop bashing Wade and the Police Department. Thank you for making my three years of living year enjoyable we have a wonderful community.
Sincerely Aaron Bartscher.
August 17th, 2007 at 7:43 am
RE: # 57 - Yes,the mayor will officially appoint the position, but they have stated they will go through an application and interview process in order to make an appointment. I don’t think they’re going to hire any “Joe Blow” off the street who thinks he can be the next Andy Taylor.
August 17th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
It’s slowing down around here, what’s going on?
August 17th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Be sure to link this discussion to any advertisement you have for the job openning. It’s been very enlightening. Sounds like you need to do some housekeeping and knock some heads inside the agency. There will be head hunters looking at this job and you all have provided excellent morsels for them to chew upon.
Chief: Hope you can stomach the aftermath of the seeds that have been planted!
August 17th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I have grown up & returned to Brandon…Phil, I took piano lessons from your wife when I was in grade school and was scared of you then…when I was 16 or 17 you stopped by a “parked” car with me & my date on a side street that was under construction, “just making sure everything is all right”. When I came back to Brandon in my late 20’s, I applied for a job with the city and you told me “I can be difficult to work with”. I think you have done a wonderful job with the town, with the department, with the individual officers, with the school system, with the kids….I sincerely wish you the best, and know that with your nature, you will enjoy anything that comes along!
August 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Congrats Phil on your retirement! You will be missed as Police Chief.
I would also like to say good luck to the City of Brandon in hiring a new Chief, Phil’s shoes will be hard to fill but I am sure they will find the right person. Also, to those who have concerns about the Brandon Officers why don’t you talk to the Chief about them instead of using this blog? Sgt. Else has done a lot for this community, I grew up here and I have seen him involved in the community. If you don’t like the possibility of him becoming Chief and dislike him so much that you would move if he does become Chief then sounds like an easy problem for you to solve MOVE NOW then maybe you can end your stress and ranting about Sgt. Else or anyone else on the PD. Go somewhere else, the town doesn’t need someone like you in it anyways, and people like you give the citizens of Brandon bad reputations, makes all look like we have nothing better to do than complain about anything and everything we possibly can. GET A LIFE!
Again best of luck Phil and hope you have a great retirement!
August 18th, 2007 at 7:23 am
I would just like to thank Phil for all his hard work he has put in. I had him for a DARE teacher and he was the best. I can honestly say Brandon is a great place to live and I feel 100% safe when I sleep at night. Thanks to all hard working police officers we have here. Wade would be a great person to have as chief! Thanks again Phil and best of luck to you!
August 20th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Nothing “ELSE” to say on that note!
August 20th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Hopefully if the police officers that are posting comments on here are doing it on their own time, and not sitting on Redwood running radar; posting to blogs. If you hate your job so much and the way the department is running….Move on. Then Brandon can get guys and gals in there that want to be there. If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem.
Have a great retirement Chief!!
August 21st, 2007 at 11:57 am
I agree with “need a job”. Did those guys think we wouldn’t figure out that they were police officers? If you don’t like your working conditions, or your boss move on….the city would be a better place to live if we had police officers that come together as a force, not belittle and insult their fellow officers!!!
August 21st, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I would like to say I agree 100% with momof5 and Needajob. The city of Brandon could do alot better if they had officers that work as a team. Also, by coming onto a blog like this and complaining about others isn’t that being a little hypocritical?
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:01 am
Some life lessons I have learned: #1 - If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything. #2 - If you have a legitimate complaint, go to the proper persons, follow the proper procedures and get it resolved. #3 - You don’t have to like all your co-workers, but you DO have to show them respect. Without that, you will never have a sucessful business and/or department.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I LOVE how i get PULLED over at night for going 33.. yes 33 in a 30… and i get yelled at! BUT a few days later I SEE THE SAME COP driving around in his MUSTANG going oh.. about 40 in a 30… now what are u trying to prove here??? You are better than the TAX payers and u can just do whatever you want…??
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I always find it humorous when I hear of people talking about getting pulled over for 2 or 3 mph over the speed limit. I have ridden with several of the Brandon Police Officers, as one day I wish to be an officer myself. I know for a fact they DO NOT pull people over for 3 mph over the speed limit. I can tell you I have seen the average speed on any posted street around here at 6 or 7 mph over the speed limit. Those guys are pretty tolerant of the speeders in this town. If in fact you did get pulled over like you say you must have been doing something really stupid. I like the officers at the Brandon Police Department and feel they do a good job with what they have to work with. Until you have walked a day in their shoes, I guess it is easy to sit back and complain about them. “If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem”. They are open to have riders with them if you care to see what they may go through in a day. Good day!
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:21 pm
you got pulled over at night for 3 over and got yelled at????? Im sorry but no cop I know pulls someone over and yells at them.
Were you drunk and he just sounded really loud???? That would be possible then….
August 29th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
I just heard about this SGT. Wade Else bashing blog today. I would have responded much sooner if I knew about it. It appears we have two sour grapes associated with the Brandon PD who need to get a hobby. It’s really pitiful they have to use the Chief Youngdale retirement forum to bash a good cop like Wade. You two need to grow up and stop acting like 14 year old school girls who are bickering. You really give law enforcement a bad name. If you have a problem with SGT. Else speak to him directly but don’t be a coward and hide behind your screen names here. Congratulations to Chief Youngdale on your deserved retirement and keep up the good work SGT. Wade Else.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
It is funny how everyone complains about cops, until they need one. One past post said you can’t hire Sgt. Else just because he has worked here for 15 years and is a hometown boy. Did you know he also finished his education and has a degree in criminal justice? What more would you like for “qualifications”