Experienced lieutenant and city councilman takes over for Osland

BY RACHEL LEINGANG
leingara@mnstate.edu

MSUM named Greg Lemke, a Fargo police lieutenant and Moorhead City Council member, as the new Director of Public Safety.

Lemke will replace interim director Mitch Osland, who will be returning to his duties as day supervisor. Lemke looks forward to returning to a town he knows well.

“I’m a Moorhead person, born and raised in Moorhead, went to MSUM, on city council,” Lemke said. “I know the issues in Moorhead, I care about the issues in Moorhead and I just thought it was a great opportunity to come and work at a campus that I have some familiarity with and enjoy.”

Osland, who did not apply for the director position, is excited to return to his role as day supervisor.

“I believe my strengths are in making sure the day-to-day operations are running smoothly and completing those daily tasks and duties,” Osland said.

Lemke, who has worked for the Fargo Police Department for nearly 25 years, doesn’t plan to make any swift changes.

“I certainly didn’t hear anything from anybody during the process that there are any major problems or issues with the public safety department,” Lemke said. “I don’t intend on coming in and tipping the cart upside so to speak. I’m going to take my time and learn what’s being done. I have some ideas and it’ll be a slow process, but I would anticipate there’d be a little bit of change.”

Osland believes Lemke’s police experiences will help him in his new role at MSUM.

“With (his) knowledge and experience with the Fargo Police Department, we will have a strong leader for our campus to ensure our department and the campus as a whole is adequately prepared for the changing times and potential risks that our staff face on a daily basis,” Osland said. “Mr. Lemke’s experience on the Moorhead City Council means he also comes to MSUM with a good understanding of our parking issues on campus.”

Lemke not only has knowledge of the issues that affect campus, but also looks forward to his new position and the opportunities it brings for his career.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity and looking forward to working with the current staff there and getting informed about what works and what they would like to see changed,” Lemke said.

When Lemke starts the job on Feb. 23, he “will bring a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a community service to the job,” said Doug Hamilton, director of public relations.

To read more from this writer, view her blog at rachelleingang.blogspot.com

Tags: dragons, leingang, lemke, moorehead, MSUM, osland, police, public safety

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