Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterWyoming has a new police officer. Trent Strandberg was sworn in as a new police officer by Chief Tony Pangal at Mondayís Wyoming City Council meeting.
In spoken and written comments Pangal said he was enthusiastic about Strandberg as an ìexcellent addition to the community.î
Police officers Lance Beardsley and Brian Rod earned recognition from the Chisago and Isanti County Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization for their work.
Mayor Vern Haag made the presentation in recognition of their top performance. This is Beardsleyís fourth such award.
More from police
The 2003 Minnesota conceal-and-carry law was recently declared unconstitutional on procedural grounds.
As a result of this decision, cities and counties are ìreverting back to the old way of doing things,î Haag said.
After some discussion Monday night, council members voted 3-1 to follow administration and police chief recommendations to use the ìoldî conceal-and-carry permit application process in the interim.
Council member Martin English did not attend the meeting.
This may be a temporary move, but it places decision-making criteria back in the hands of local police departments and the sheriffís departments. Those who need or wish to apply for a permit to carry a concealed gun must apply under local rules until new state rules are established.
The old rules in the city of Wyoming required successful completion of a firearm safety course, a need to carry a weapon because of occupational hazards and/or personal safety requirements, and no criminal background.
If a permit is denied because of an unfavorable background check, a letter must be sent to the applicant explaining the reason(s) for denial.
Tom LeBarr, who has had a permit for three years and has re-applied for one, asked for assurances from the council and police department of his personal safety, if his application is denied. He has applied for a permit for personal protection and his second amendment rights to be allowed to have a gun, he said.
Administrator Jill Teetzel, whose background includes substantial administrative experience with police departments, elaborated on the ìperceived personal safety factor.î Documentation is the key.
Her examples were those who have history as crime victims or victims of stalking.
City Attorney Tom Miller said the city can deal with this incrementally.
Procedures are the big thing. This requires some minimal background checks. Haag was clear that he and the council were approaching this decision based on procedural issues, not constitutional ones.
He said he does not want to be dealing with that at the city level.
Council member Ted Phillips was the sole dissenting vote.
He said he voted against the procedure because the constitution guarantees citizens the right to bear arms.
Top of Page
