Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Mark Dunaski, a State Trooper who patrolled highways in the Forest Lake area from 1985-1989, is now the top cop for the Minnesota State Patrol.

Dunaski last Friday was named the 16th patrol chief by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion. Dunaski, 50, is a 22-year State Patrol veteran who lives in Columbus Township.

A native of Sturgeon Lake, Dunaskiís most recent assignment was as captain of the Minnesota State Patrol Flight Section. His promotion to colonel was effective May 18.

Dunaski joined the State Patrol in 1982 and worked the West Metro District before moving to the East Metro District in 1985. He was assigned to the Forest Lake area during his four years as a trooper here.

He was assigned to the flight section in 1989 and has since earned promotions to lieutenant in 1998 and captain in 2000.

As leader of the flight section, Dunaski directed the implementation of multiple airborne technologies for State Patrol aircraft to aid traffic enforcement, and search and rescue missions.

Dunaski earned an associate of arts degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1992. In 2004 he earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration from Bellevue University in Nebraska.

He is a four-year veteran of the Air Force.

ìIím excited for the opportunity to lead our proud organization and dedicated troopers,î Dunaski said in a statement released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety last Friday.

He replaces Col. Anne Beers who was promoted to the position of assistant commissioner within the DPS.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605