By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
The duties of a police officer, also known as a law enforcement officer, focus on protecting people and property. They patrol the areas they are assigned, which sometimes include entire jurisdictions, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations, and occasionally testify in court cases.
For twenty-one years Brian Christensen has led the Slayton Police Department. Last Friday, January 4th marked his final day on duty. The 32-year veteran says he will miss his staff and admits even his duties. “Law enforcement kind of gets in your blood,” commented Christensen. His eligibility for retirement was actually met July 1st of this past year.
As a senior Christensen was undecided as to what he wanted to do following graduation. He explained, at the time a new careers class was being offered. “I took the class and when the law enforcement VHS came across, it intrigued me,” shared Christensen. He met with the guidance counselor who explained Alexandria Vocational School was rated number one in this field of study.
Christensen received his associate’s degree in the spring of ‘87 and returned back to his roots in Marshall – where he grew up and graduated from. Prior to graduation, Christensen had obtained an internship for the Marshall Police Department during the summer between his first and second year. “In reality,” he said, “I was actually a fully licensed officer at the age of 18.” He was warned his officer position at such a young age could be a problem, particularly policing in his home town, however, Christensen said he never really had any issues. “I knew if I was consistently fair to everyone there shouldn’t be any problems.”
Christensen was hired on a part-time basis upon receiving his diploma from Alexandria. During this time he also helped out in Canby, Hendricks, and Tracy on a part-time basis – all at the same time. It was a bit hairy at times, explained Christensen, trying to keep everything going between the different communities.
He remained with the Marshall Police Department until early 1990 when he accepted a full-time position with Pipestone. During this time frame, he met his wife, Jodi. They were married in 1991.
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