It has nearly been two weeks since Paul Biermaier retired, and his Lieutenant, Darin Selzler, has taken his place as the Crookston Police Department’s Police Chief. Detective Nathan Nelson was also promoted to take the position Selzler left. He will be sworn in as the new Deputy Chief on Monday, March 14, at the City Council Meeting with Police Chief Darin Selzler in the City Council Chambers. Nelson gave an update on the events and happenings inside the Crookston Police Department.
As the Deputy Chief, Nelson states that his primary duties are to get the department fully staffed once again with recruits that have applied for positions, maintain the department, and solve any individual issues the officers have within the department. “The Deputy Chief’s role is mainly the day-to-day duties, making sure that the building stays above water,” said Nelson. “And I’m excited about that and to have the opportunity to be able to have everybody come to me for those issues, whether good or bad.” Similar to Selzler before him, Nelson looks to work closely with the Chief and his fellow officers to accomplish goals the department has set to help itself and the City of Crookston. He hopes to use his communication and problem-solving skills to be the “communicator” of the station to resolve problems and assist Chief Selzler. “I think being there for everybody and being a good communicator and listening to the problems can solve a lot of problems. But also working with Darin and whatever goals he has and goals we come up with together,” said Nelson. “To make things we want to see happen together as a group with the department, as a family here to make sure that we do what’s best for the city and residents of Crookston. To make sure that we work together and have a clear vision.”
Deputy Chief Nelson has worked in the Crookston Police Department for fifteen years, working his first six as an everyday patrol officer, then was promoted to Narcotics Investigation and earned the rank of Detective, where he worked for nine years solving drug cases. After Chief Biermaier’s retirement and Lieutenant Selzler’s promotion, he believed that he was ready to step up to a more prominent leadership role due to his experience and relationships with his fellow officers. “I’ve worked here for quite a bit of time and worked very closely with a lot of the officers and have a great relationship with a lot of the people that work here,” said Nelson. “I’ve evolved from the younger guy into one of the more senior officers, and I think that it’s been great so far. I have good respect for everybody, and I think I’m respected as well, and it’s been an easy transition, and it’s been fun.”
Deputy Chief Nelson hopes to help the department continue its service to the people of Crookston just as past Chief Paul Biermaier has done for over the last 32 years. Nelson will be officially sworn into his position at the City Council Meeting alongside Police Chief Darin Selzler on Monday, March 14, in the City Council Chambers.
