New chief? Who?
October 6th, 2007 by 
Alica
Assuming the Brandon Police Department continues to provide law enforcement to the city, what type of person do you think should be the new chief? Should the interim chief be a shoo-in for the job, or should the City Council interview others? Would a hometown person be better, or do you think a person from another area would bring new ideas to the department? Does the department need new ideas?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
October 7th, 2007 at 7:54 am
I think that Brandon is a pretty close knit community and we should keep it within the department. Someone that knows the area, someone that knows the people, someone that knows how our city works, someone like Sgt. Wade Else. Wade will do a fantastic job for our community. Ya, there will be nay sayers, but that will always be there. I think that you need to look at the now and not the what could be. Why would you bring someone in that knows nothing about our community or our people? Why would you bring someone in that could possibly be less experience? Why wouldn’t you invest into someone that is already tried and true to our community? I have heard others saying that the police department needs new procedures and new ideas, well don’t you think that Wade is going to do that? Well sure he is, and those ideas will be for the better, and if they are not for the better then he will look at another idea. If you think that every idea and suggestion that he has is going to be right on the money, then look at yourself, are all of your ideas winners? The people of this community have the man that they need, they just need to support him and let him do what he needs to do and move on. I remember years ago when we brought in someone from the outside (for the lack of a better term) to operate our golf course, well those of you that golf remember this too, that went over like a lead balloon. Now we have someone running that place that is from the area, someone that knows the people, someone that knows how our city works, and everything is running fine. You have that same situation in front of you again, all you need to do is support Sgt. Else and give him the opportunity that he deserves. I for one will be happy and proud to address him as Chief Else, I hope that you will too.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:29 am
I don’t think the council is done with the county idea first of all, but that remains to be seen.
I think the new chief should be whoever is the best qualified across the board.
I can’t speak to Wade Else because I haven’t seen his personnel file and neither has anyone else here. He has served this community his whole career so that is worth something I believe.
However, hiring outside isn’t unheard of in situations like these. A prime example is the school superintendant. Mr. Talcott was not hired from within.
I do know that when a decision like this is made, upper management does NOT hire based on what the rest of the staff wants. You are TOO close to the issue, there are too many personality issues to be non biased. When was the last time you’ve heard of the staff getting to vote on their new boss?
I’m going to try and say this nicely and hope that you take it as constructive criticizm…..
What you BPD members are doing by complaining, and name calling on this blog is making me lose my faith in your credibility. I want my PD members to be mature, competant and able to put their differences aside to better my community. I don’t want to see the arguments, pettiness, and imaturity even though that exists everywhere. Police officers in the general publics’ mind should be above that. We want to see your department as a well oiled machine not one in turmoil. We’d like to see you unite and accept the chief whoever that may be and provide us the services you love to and are paid for. Sometimes it’s hard to remember, but we all are replaceable in our jobs.
I love having our own PD, so will you guys (and your families) help us keep you by proving you’re worth every penny??? That way they can’t explain why they want to go to the county. Be a part of the solution not the problem.
Thanks
October 7th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
To #2 citizen: Agreed that the new chief should be the one who is best qualified. Also agreed that in any line of work, employees must respect the office of boss, even if they are not thrilled with the person who has that job. Thank you for posting.
October 8th, 2007 at 5:14 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 5:32 pm
If we don’t go with the Sheriff’s Office, we need new blood. I have known Wade for years, I like him, but he is not ready to be Police Chief, especially this growing community.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
WOW Community Advisor….did you miss any thread you didn’t post that on? Again, NOT in jail and not accurate reporting!! Wanna see the court record?
October 8th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Not in jail Yet ..that is now SHUT UP for awhile.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:14 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 7:46 am
Community Advisor….lets not trash people on this blog. We need to respectful to other people. Please, lets stay on topic!!!
October 9th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Thank you #9, 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. Now you’re telling me to “shout up for awhile?” What are you afraid of me saying?
October 9th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I suppose your doing work release? Facts Heathy, only facts!
October 9th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I see in this week’s Valley Resident (p. 4) there is a box ad to obtain a new chief of police in Brandon. It says the deadline for applications is Oct. 15. That’s next Monday, which also happens to be the day that the Council meets.
I suspect they would not make a decision that day, though. They (or the city’s contracted human resource director, Dan Oakland) would need time to interview the applicants. It would be more likely that the Council would not make a decision about the new chief until their Nov. 5 meeting at the earliest.
If I hear any different, I’ll let you know.
October 9th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
….so are you just that big of an ignorant ass CA? Did you read what #9 and eveyone else said about staying on topic? I’m still waiting for you to come out from hiding you gutless wonder!!
Do you know why “community advisor” we’re still discussing this? Because people are concerned, uninformed and misled. Deny 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 F$&@KING MIND! Oh, but I forgot, we shouldn’t be discussing this issue ’cause you don’t want to anymore. It’s easier for your tiny little mind to come-up with ways to bash me.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Heath, I do not blame you for being upset for someone posting the report form the Argus. I feel this does not do anyone any good.
However, I feel it also makes you look bad when you retort by saying this person is an ignorant ass etc. etc.
Now, back to the issue, I am curious about your quote about the PD carrying a loaded weapon that is not certified. What does this mean? Can anyone expound on this?
October 10th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Concerned Citizen….I sincerely apologize to you and to all that I offended, but enough is enough. I admit I may have gotten a bit over anxious with the nastiness of others. I will take the high road and rise above it. As for your question. 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 11:03 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 12:16 pm
Who’s full of crap?..I personally spoke with your 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 1:44 pm
(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 2:54 pm
To Community Advisor and Heath: Who the heck are you people and why do you feel the need to ‘yell’ at each other over the internet? I just wanted to read people’s opinions on these different topics and all I see are these nasty (lengthy) blogs that have absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand. Why do you give a crap about each other? Get a hobby!!!
October 10th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
This is my hobby. Just like the rest. America the free isn’t it great!
October 10th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Kris, I’m really sorry that you’ve had to endure the crap. My blogging began simply as asking questions why….giving honest and opinions that were based in fact and always revealed myself. Unlike other’s it is NOT my hobby…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 7:42 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 8:04 pm
Why don’t you, America the FREE!
October 11th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Community Advisor — you are either a city council member or a member of the police department. Either way to blog anonymously shows your integrity. Not good.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:38 am
#25 Anonymous Says:Thats kind of the pot calling the kettle black isn’t it?
October 11th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I think Community Advisor needs a new hobby-maybe quilting or something? Try something a little more constructive than creating such a bad vibe. The world is terrible enough-full of hate. You’re right, we are all free and you have every right to voice your opinions (nasty as they are). I just feel sorry for you; that you don’t have someone that you trust that you can vent to. You feel the need to unload on complete strangers anonymously. I’ll bet it doesn’t make you feel any better does it? Nevermind-I’m sure you have a smart@$$ comment to answer that question too. It’s just sad that average citizens can’t enjoy this service Alica has provided. I know I won’t be reading these anymore because it’s just a waste of time.
October 11th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Kris, I am sorry you feel this way. I am not the one that started the name calling or questioning integrity because I chose to blog anonymously as #23  have done. I am just attempting to show the people that most of the blogs on here are personal opinions and not facts, that’s all. I said before I am going to the positive side now so God Bless and happy blogging.
October 11th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Just a clarification: Argus Leader Media owns www.brandoninfo.com. I work for the Argus, and I was lucky enough that the bosses chose me to moderate this blog.
I’ve lived in Brandon nearly all my life and can’t think of any place I’d rather live. It’s a great town – not without its problems, but people change and situations change. You do the best you can to keep up and look ahead.
I hope people enjoy the blog and find that it’s a good place to discuss community issues in a respectful way.
Thanks for blogging.
October 11th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
the officers that were hired that were not certified were family members or friends of Mr. Else’….hum……..
October 11th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
makes ya feel safe huh, that giving friends and family a job comes before the community safety
October 12th, 2007 at 8:11 am
For your info. the only friend or family member on the police department wasnt the one they picked to hire, he was 2nd on the list of hiring but the guy that they tried to give the job to, denied it because of pay. Thanks for blogging Ann you seem like you know what your talking about.
October 12th, 2007 at 10:17 am
FYI, in today’s online challenger article about the city budget, the city gave an across the board 3% inflation raise to employees, but yet the golf course got a 7.5% inflation raise for their budget. Wow. They only make about 26,000 a year for the city, but they get more than 3 times that for a budget increase? The city budget increased 3% why should the golf course get so much? Is it normal for a course to only make 26,000 a year? Maybe. Don’t they rent out that fancy room?
October 12th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I agree! I think the golf course is the sewer for the community. It really does not do much for the community. They should sell the golf course for about 4 million and then give all the proceeds to the police department for a raise. Problems solved!
October 13th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Someone from outside the agency. A ‘neutral’ person with some management experience whom can take an objective look at whats going on internally and make some fixes.
October 14th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Now istead of saving over $300,000 our City budget is going to go up. SO, now we think if we throw more money at the problem things will change. We need a change, either look at the County or a new Chief.
October 14th, 2007 at 7:43 am
#34 that should about do it. I would imagine the city could clear about 2 million from the sale of the golf course. That is about a $180,000 raise per officer. That should about do it. Sounds logical.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Now I understand, we are going to treat this situation like the Federal Government treat failing inner city schools, don’t fix the problem, just throw more money at them, do the same things and then it will get better. What is the definition of insanity? Now that is forward think.
October 16th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Now that the deadline has passed, who/and when will they make the pick?
October 16th, 2007 at 9:38 am
I don’t know, but I hope they take a good look at all the applicants and pick the best and most qualified for the job.
October 24th, 2007 at 5:16 am
he who applies the most chapstick and presses really hard down the center crack will be the winning new chief