Trudeau receives 2002
MSA President's Award

Jim Trudeau, a Forest Lake native who made his mark in law enforcement, is the winner of the 2002 President's Award given by the Minnesota Sheriff's Association.

Trudeau, a retired Washington County Sheriff and a former executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association, was honored Dec. 2 at the 112th annual winter conference of the MSA in Grand Rapids.

The award is given annually by the departing president of the MSA. Trudeau left his post with the MSA earlier this year with former Anoka County Sheriff Larry Podany taking over the leadership roll.

The MSA President's award reads: "Presented to Jim Trudeau -- who has given unselfishly of himself, his time, effort and experience, serving on many committees and projects. Jim Trudeau has done an exceptional job in promoting the office of sheriff. He truly stands out from the rest and is always willing to give something extra."

The award was presented by Sheriff Donald Nolander, the outgoing MSA president in 2002.

Trudeau has been very active in the sheriff's association serving as a member and chair of a number of important committees. He rose through the executive chairs of the association, represented the MSA at state functions and on a national level with the National Sheriff's Association, both as president while serving Washington County as sheriff, and as executive director of the MSA.

"I am absolutely thrilled and very proud to accept this award, but feel that without the support of my wife, Carol, and my many friends, this would not have been possible," Trudeau said in accepting the award.

Trudeau began his law enforcement career in 1965 as a police officer in Forest Lake. He became police chief in 1967 and held that city post until his election as Washington County Sheriff in 1978.

He served as sheriff until 1994 when he became executive director of the MSA, a position he held until April of this year. Jim and Carol Trudeau recently moved back to Forest Lake.

Current MSA leader Podany also had praise for Trudeau.

"I have known Jim for many years and call him a friend, and admire him for his distinguished law enforcement career," Podany said.

"His family, friends and community can be very proud of his accomplishments, and if I know Jim at all, his contributions and commitment to his community have not ended."

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