A Legacy of Service: The Origin, Evolution, and Community Spirit of the Hastings Police Department
By HastingsNow.com – May 2025
A young visitor kneels in the grass outside the Hastings Police Station, petting a friendly K‑9 while officers hand out hot dogs and safety flyers. Nearby, a drone whirs overhead, and kids don plastic fire helmets as they quiz deputies about rescue boats and robotics. It’s the annual Police Week Open House, and the scene captures 167 years of trust between the Hastings Police Department (HPD) and the community it protects.
This deep dive traces HPD’s frontier‑era origins, its evolution into a modern, tech‑forward agency, and the collaborative spirit on display at the 2025 Open House. Most importantly, it features verbatim remarks from the people shaping public safety in Hastings today.
From City Marshals to Modern Guardians
Hastings, Minnesota has a proud history that predates the state itself. The town was surveyed and incorporated in 1857 – a year before Minnesota gained statehood minnesotahomebrothers.com. In those early days, law enforcement was a humble affair: local peacekeepers were city marshals or town constables handling safety as best they could. In 1858, a city ordinance officially established the Hastings Police Department, authorizing the young city to hire its own police officers hastingsmn.gov. That makes the HPD one of Minnesota’s oldest police agencies, formed in the same year Minnesota became a state.
Throughout the late 19th century, Hastings officers patrolled a growing river town that, while smaller than nearby Minneapolis or St. Paul, saw its share of frontier challenges. Saloons, riverboat traffic, and new railroads meant the city marshal’s hands were full keeping order. One of the earliest recorded tragedies struck in 1894, when Officer Albert Jacobson was shot while pursuing a burglary suspect in a rail yard. He died later that night – the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in Dakota County, and to this day the only Hastings officer ever slain in the department’s history startribune.com. The community mourned his loss deeply, and his sacrifice is still honored by the department during memorial observances.
A remarkable piece of that history resurfaced recently after nearly 127 years. In 2017, Officer Jacobson’s long-lost six-pointed silver badge – emblazoned with “Hastings Police 3” – was discovered in a family member’s attic hope chest and returned to the Hastings Police Department inforum.com. Now the oldest badge in the department’s collection, it has become the centerpiece of a planned historical display at the station inforum.com. This gleaming relic, once tucked away and forgotten, tangibly connects today’s officers to their 19th-century predecessors and the enduring legacy of service they represent.
As Hastings entered the 20th century, its police force evolved in step with the times. What began with a lone marshal on foot grew into a structured department embracing new technology and methods. By the 1920s and 30s, Hastings officers were trading horse-and-foot patrols for automobiles and early two-way radios, vastly extending their reach. The mid-20th century brought further modernization – from adopting centralized 911 dispatch to training in new investigative techniques – as the city’s population expanded. Through each era, the department faced challenges common to many American towns: Prohibition-era bootlegging, the economic strains of the Great Depression, and later the societal shifts of the 1960s and 70s. Each challenge was met with a determination to keep Hastings safe while adapting to change.
Community policing has long been a part of Hastings’ DNA. Decades before the term was coined, Hastings officers were already known for walking the downtown beat and stopping in at local shops to say hello. That neighborly approach helped build trust that lasted generations. Of course, policing is never without trials – from occasional spikes in crime to the pressures of budget constraints – but the HPD’s relationship with its citizens proved to be its greatest strength. In times of trouble, Hastings residents and police historically leaned on each other. For example, during the farm crisis of the 1980s, when economic hardship hit many families, officers collaborated with church groups and charities to ensure those in need were connected to help rather than simply penalized. This cooperative spirit set the stage for the department’s modern outreach programs.
One proud milestone came in 2008, when the Hastings Police Department celebrated its 150th anniversary hastingsmn.gov. The department marked the occasion by publishing a special commemorative report filled with old photographs, timelines, and anecdotes from decades past. Residents learned about the first appointed police chief, the evolution of the department’s uniforms and equipment, and stories of heroism and community care that had been passed down over the years. The 150th anniversary was more than a trip down memory lane – it was a reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to its police, and vice versa. Former officers, retirees, and community elders joined in the celebration, highlighting how deeply interwoven the police department is with Hastings’ identity.
Growth, Challenges, and Transformation Over Time
From its founding cadre of marshals to the modern force of today, the Hastings Police Department has continually transformed to meet new challenges. In the early 20th century, as Hastings grew from a river trading post into a bustling small city, the department expanded in size and capability. By mid-century, the HPD was investing in professional training and specialized roles – a far cry from the generalist town marshals of the 1800s. The introduction of detective positions, a dedicated traffic unit, and youth officers in the 1970s and 80s reflected the broader scope of issues a contemporary police force must handle, from complex investigations to school safety.
Every generation brought its tests. Hastings, generally a quiet community, was not immune to broader trends like the rise of drug-related crimes in the late 20th century or the imperative for police accountability and new standards in the 21st. The 1990s and 2000s saw the department embrace data-driven strategies and community partnerships to proactively prevent crime. Neighborhood watch groups, started in Hastings’ residential blocks in the 1980s, became a mainstay of crime prevention, embodying the philosophy that residents and police watching out for each other creates a safer city for all.
In recent years, the Hastings Police Department has been led by a new generation of leadership keen on balancing tradition with innovation. Police Chief David Wilske, a 25-year law enforcement veteran who took the helm in 2022 hastingsmn.gov, often emphasizes that “policing is as much about listening and engaging as it is about enforcing.” Under Chief Wilske’s watch, the department has doubled down on community engagement, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration.
Like many law enforcement agencies nationwide, Hastings’ police face the dual challenge of leveraging new technology while maintaining public trust. A clear example is the issue of encrypted police communications – a hot topic in Dakota County over the past two years. In September 2023, Dakota County authorities switched all main police radio channels to encrypted transmissions, abruptly ending the decades-long practice of allowing the public to monitor police calls via scanners limitless-news.com. This change, recommended by federal authorities for security, was intended to protect sensitive information and enhance officer safety limitless-news.com. Chief Wilske acknowledges it’s a double-edged sword: on one hand, encryption shields victims’ personal data and tactical operations from would-be criminals; on the other, it has raised concerns about transparency and keeping the public informed. “We understand why it’s necessary, but we also know it’s vital to keep our community in the loop,” Wilske said, noting that the department has ramped up its public communications in response. Hastings Police now more frequently shares timely updates and press releases as an alternative way to inform citizens about incidents, since live scanner chatter is no longer available. It’s a local example of a broader national balance police everywhere are trying to strike in the digital age.
Through all transformations, the heart of the HPD’s mission remains unchanged: to protect and serve Hastings with integrity and respect. Crime statistics underscore the positive impact of that steadfast commitment. According to the department’s latest annual report, 2024 saw a 24% decrease in crimes against persons and a 9% decrease in property crimes, alongside a remarkable drop in other offense categories hastingsmn.gov. “Our officers and support staff are committed to working hard each and every day to ensure the citizens, visitors and community are as safe as possible,” said Chief Wilske, crediting not only police efforts but also the community for these gains hastingsmn.gov. It’s evidence that a close-knit community and proactive policing together can make a tangible difference.
National Police Week 2025: Honoring Service and Strengthening Bonds
Each May, communities across America celebrate National Police Week, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. In Hastings, Police Week is more than a symbolic nod – it’s an opportunity for real connection between officers and the citizens they protect. The 2025 National Police Week was especially vibrant in Hastings, with the department hosting its annual Police Week Open House on Tuesday, May 13. From 5–7 p.m., the area outside City Hall and the Police Station transformed into a welcoming fairground for public safety.
At the Open House event, residents of all ages got a behind-the-scenes look at their police department. The Hastings Police Station, located at 150 3rd Street East, threw open its doors (and parking lot) for demonstrations and camaraderie. Children delighted in sitting in squad cars and trying on tiny versions of firefighter hats. Attendees found opportunities to explore public safety trucks, rescue equipment and had a chance to talk with our police, fire and public safety partners, and learn about the many ways our department serves Hastings. “This is awesome – I never knew how much cool stuff they have!” exclaimed one local teenager as she inspected the gear in a patrol car, echoing the awe many youngsters felt seeing policing up close.
The Open House also featured dynamic demonstrations. A police K-9 and handler showed off Sonny the dog’s obedience and detection skills. The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office brought their state-of-the-art drone, operated by Deputy Don Chandler, to demonstrate how unmanned aerial vehicles help in modern police work. As the drone whirred into the sky, sending a live video feed down to a monitor, onlookers marveled at how technology adds a new vantage point to law enforcement. These drones have become “vital in search and rescue operations, helping us locate missing persons quickly in hard-to-reach areas,” Deputy Chandler explained to the crowd facebook.com. The audience was impressed at how a flying camera could spot a person lost in a marshy area that officers on foot might have missed.
Another highlight of the event was the community partner booths. The Open House wasn’t just HPD on display – it was a showcase of teamwork. Local organizations that work hand-in-hand with the police department set up tables to share information and goodies. One such group was Ally Supportive Services, a nonprofit dedicated to homeless outreach in Dakota County. Amber Hanson, Ally’s Housing and Homeless Services Director, greeted visitors with a warm smile and pamphlets about her organization’s programs. Right beside her, Hastings officers stood, emphasizing the close partnership between law enforcement and social services in this community.
City officials were on hand too. Hastings City Councilmember Dave Pemble, illustrating literally and figuratively that the city’s elected leaders “have skin in the game” when it comes to supporting the police and the community. Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik milled about shaking hands and thanking officers for their service, reinforcing that the county government recognizes the value of Hastings’ Police Department and its collaborative efforts with county services.
As the sun set on the Open House, Chief Wilske took a moment to speak from the heart about National Police Week: honoring fallen officers, appreciating the daily dedication of current staff, and renewing the pledge to serve the community.
HastingsNow.com – the local community-first media outlet – was proud to cover the event and capture these moments. In fact, HastingsNow reporters conducted exclusive on-site interviews during the Open House, speaking with Chief Wilske and several community partners to get their personal insights on the department’s journey and its relationship with the city. Their voices collectively paint a picture of a police department deeply committed to Hastings.
Community Voices: Reflections from Police and Partners
Chief David Wilske – Leading with Transparency and Trust
A South Metro S.W.A.T. rescue vehicle anchors the curb outside Hastings Police Headquarters, drawing curious families while officers nearby answer questions and hand out safety gear—an unmistakable symbol of both the serious risks Chief David Wilske’s team faces and the openness with which they share their mission during Police Week.
Chief Wilske stands at the helm of the Hastings Police Department at a time of rapid change. In our interview, he reflected on the department’s evolution and the importance of community trust.
“Alright, Dave Wilske, Police Chief for the City of Hastings. So tonight we are celebrating Police Week with Hastings Police Department Open House. So it’s free hot dogs and chips for the community. And it’s a great event. We obviously invite a lot of our partners in to come speak with the kids.
“We have the State Patrol here and the State of Minnesota with their seat‑belt enforcer so people can see what it’s like to be in a crash at three miles per hour while wearing your seatbelt. But it’s also important for us just because of Police Week. Burnsville lost officers last year in the line of duty, and that department is actually out in D.C. right now.
“And we are assisting in covering calls for their community. Our department – it is a sentimental week for us, but we appreciate the community’s support and everything that they do. If you see an officer out on the street make sure you give ’em a little bit of space, let ’em do their job.
“If you ever have questions about what might be going on, just remember: See something, say something. Feel free to give us a call. Thank you.”
Wilske’s words underscore the dual nature of Police Week in Hastings: a light‑hearted block party tempered by solemn remembrance of fallen officers in neighboring Burnsville – a reminder of the risks local police willingly shoulder.
Amber Hanson – A Partner in Outreach and Compassion
Amber Hanson, co-founder of Ally Supportive Services, flashes a welcoming smile while holding a hand-lettered sign that reads “Homeless outreach available!” Beside her, Outreach & Intake Specialist/Housing Advocate, Isiah Montgomery rests an encouraging hand on her shoulder as they stand amid stacks of bright-green outreach kits at the Hastings Police Week Open House. Together, they embody the partnership between Ally and the Hastings Police Department—meeting vulnerable neighbors with dignity, resources, and a path to safe housing.
Amber Hanson, of Ally Supportive Services, has a unique perspective as an outsider who works closely with the police. Her organization deals with homelessness and housing crises across Dakota County.
“I’m Amber Hanson. I am the director and co‑founder of Ally Supportive Services. We’re here tonight because we are partners with the Hastings Police Department in addressing homelessness. Another big reason why I’m here is to connect with the community and let them know we exist – educate them about our services and educate them about the best ways they can help support our unsheltered neighbors and give effectively.
“That’s why you’ll see we have a list of best items to give for homeless outreach. Things like gift cards, gas cards, restaurant cards, hygiene items, bug spray, sunscreen, winter gear – and not cash. Cash is not always the most effective thing to give someone experiencing homelessness.”
Hanson’s booth, stacked with neon‑green outreach kits, illustrated HPD’s philosophy of help first, enforce second. Officers routinely call Ally when they meet someone living in a vehicle or tent, turning potential citations into stories of recovery.
Commissioner Mike Slavik – County Collaboration for Community Safety
Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik pauses outside the Hastings Police Station’s open bays to share his views on regional public-safety teamwork, telling a HastingsNow.com reporter that “keeping people safe is a one-team effort” between the county and the Hastings Police Department.
Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik has a broad view of public safety that spans multiple cities, but he holds a special respect for what’s happening in Hastings. At the Police Week Open House, Commissioner Slavik took a moment to share his thoughts on how the county and city work together.
“It’s always fun to be out here. I’m Mike Slavik, Dakota County Commissioner representing the Hastings area. It’s Police Appreciation Week and Hastings, Dakota County Sheriffs, and Farmington within my district all have celebrations this week honoring the sacrifice and the great work that our police officers do each and every day to keep us safe.
“This is always a fun event in Hastings – kind of the first of the events in my commissioner district – and just a great place to be. Fun to see people having a good time and showing appreciation for our law enforcement.”
Slavik highlighted seamless collaboration: the Sheriff’s Office shares drones, a mobile command post, and task‑force resources with HPD, proving that taxpayer dollars go further when agencies work as a single safety net.
Deputy Don Chandler – Eyes in the Sky Enhancing Public Safety
Dakota County Sheriff’s Deputy Don Chandler kneels on the asphalt to give two curious youngsters a close-up look at the drone controller he uses in search-and-rescue missions. The hands-on demo—held beside the Sheriff’s Office “Air Ranger” trailer during Hastings’ Police Week Open House—showcases how high-tech tools and community engagement go hand in hand to keep residents safe.
Standing next to a folding table covered in drone equipment, Dakota County Sheriff’s Deputy Don Chandler could barely finish a sentence without a curious child or adult interrupting with a question – and he didn’t mind one bit. “I love that people are interested in this,” he laughed, holding up a sleek quadcopter for a group of wide-eyed grade-schoolers. Chandler serves as a drone operator for the Sheriff’s Office and often assists Hastings and other cities with aerial support. In his interview with us, he described how drones have quickly become an indispensable tool.
“I’m Don Chandler. I’m Deputy Chandler with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. I’m here tonight displaying the drone team to the community – explaining exactly what we do with the Sheriff’s Office and the drones. It’s like show‑and‑tell: we show everybody what we’re about, what we can do, and what the drones are for, the future, and what else we can bring to the community.”
Kneeling on the pavement, Chandler let kids peer into a live video feed as his thermal‑camera drone hunted for a volunteer “suspect.” Moments like this demystify technology and build public support for life‑saving tools.
Councilmember Dave Pemble – Investing in a Safe, Engaged Future
Hastings City Councilmember Dave Pemble and his wife, Dolores (The Spoolhouse), were pleased to attend the police department open house, an event that drew a significant number of enthusiastic members from the local community.
Hastings City Councilmember Dave Pemble is not only an elected official but a lifelong resident of the city. In speaking with HastingsNow.com, Councilmember Pemble shared a heartfelt perspective on what the police department means to Hastings.
“Hi, I’m Dave Pemble with the City of Hastings, council‑person‑at‑large. I am here at the fire and Police Week activity behind the police department. This is a good way for folks in the community to come and see the people that serve them and provide them service when it’s needed – police, fire, State Patrol, Dakota County Sheriff – those folks that are available to help when you dial 911.
“Or if you just want to call up and ask for advice on an issue. This is a yearly event, and it’s a good way for the people that serve Hastings to see Hastings.”
Pemble was enthusiastic about the success of the Police Week Open House. Seeing children laughing with officers and residents learning about safety programs reinforced his belief that Hastings is on the right track. His words echo the ethos that has guided Hastings for over a century and a half: public safety is a shared responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Safeguarding Hastings’ Future Together
As the festivities of National Police Week 2025 wrap up, the Hastings Police Department is already looking toward the future. What does the next chapter hold for this historic yet forward-thinking force? Chief Wilske and the city’s leaders envision a future where innovation and community involvement continue to go hand in hand. In practical terms, that means exploring new tools (could next year’s open house feature a police robot or an electric patrol car?), continuing education on topics like de-escalation and mental health crisis response, and recruiting the next generation of officers who reflect the community’s values and diversity.
One emerging theme is transparency in the digital age. With the change in communications technology, Hastings PD is considering public-facing platforms – perhaps a real-time crime dashboard or a text alert system – to keep residents informed and engaged. “The more our community knows about what we’re doing, the more they can help us,” Chief Wilske had noted, reinforcing that transparency is itself a crime-fighting tool. On the horizon too are efforts to expand community programs. Don’t be surprised if you see more events like Coffee with a Cop, Cones with a Cop (ice cream socials), safety workshops for seniors, or youth explorer programs blooming in Hastings. These initiatives give residents of all ages a chance to interact with police outside of emergencies, further humanizing both sides.
The Hastings Police Department’s journey – from one marshal in 1858 to a modern accredited agency in 2025 – illustrates a powerful story of adaptation and dedication. It’s a story HastingsNow.com was honored to share, as a proud community-first media outlet. The enduring lesson is that public safety isn’t just about badges and laws; it’s about relationships. Over 167 years, the uniforms have changed, the city has grown, and challenges have evolved, but the core principle remains: when police and community stand together, great things happen.
So as Hastings moves forward, there’s a palpable optimism that the bond between the HPD and the people is stronger than ever. The next time you see a Hastings police officer at a community event – or wave to one driving by – know that you’re part of the legacy too. It’s a legacy of mutual respect, service, and caring that began in 1858 and continues to light the way in 2025 and beyond.
How You Can Support Your Local Police and Community
A pint-sized visitor in a bright red fire helmet browses safety coloring books while firefighters and a Hastings police officer chat nearby—one of many hands-on stations at the Police Week Open House that invite families to learn, volunteer, and partner with local first-responders.
The spirit of partnership thrives when community members get involved. Here are a few ways you can support public safety in Hastings and be a part of the positive momentum:
Volunteer or Participate in Police Programs: Consider joining initiatives like the Police Reserve Unit or community policing advisory boards. Volunteers assist with events, neighborhood patrols, and safety education, contributing valuable time to support HPD’s mission. You can also take part in Citizens’ Academy sessions if offered – a great way to learn firsthand about policing and how you can help.
Attend Community Events: Keep an eye out for future open houses, National Night Out block parties, and safety workshops hosted by Hastings PD. Showing up, asking questions, and getting to know the officers builds trust. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family! Your presence at these events sends a message that the community cares and wants to engage positively with law enforcement.
Support Outreach and Prevention Efforts: The HPD works closely with organizations like Ally Supportive Services, Hastings Family Services, and local neighborhood watch groups. You can contribute by donating to these nonprofits, volunteering for their programs, or even simply spreading the word about their services. Supporting mental health outreach, youth mentorship, and homeless assistance programs all help reduce the strain on police and create a safer community for everyone.
Stay Informed and Be Proactive: Sign up for the city’s emergency alerts and newsletters to receive updates on public safety news. Follow the Hastings Police Department on social media. If you see something concerning in your neighborhood, report it. Good communication between residents and police is often the first line of defense. By staying informed, you can also correct misconceptions and share accurate information with your neighbors, which strengthens community resilience.
Express Gratitude and Build Bridges: A simple “thank you” to an officer, a note of appreciation, or a positive comment on a HastingsNow.com story about local police can go a long way. Policing can be a challenging job, and knowing the community recognizes that effort boosts morale. Likewise, if you have constructive feedback or concerns, don’t hesitate to attend a community meeting or reach out to the department leadership – open dialogue is welcomed in Hastings. It’s all about working together.
HastingsNow.com extends a heartfelt thank you to the Hastings Police Department, Chief Wilske, and all the community members and officials who contributed their voices and time. As a community-first news outlet, we are grateful to help shine a light on the positive stories and partnerships that make Hastings a wonderful place to live. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, safety, and community spirit in our city!
