Made up entirely of volunteers and originally formed in 1941 as a civil defense group, the South St. Paul Police Reserves remains an active and vital arm of police protection in the city.

Among the original members were Paul Oesterreich, Mike Chalupa, Carl Dahlberg, and Sylvester Lang. During World War II, the group coordinated the city's protection and attracted many additional members.

After a period of inactivity post-war, the unit was revived in 1958 when Bill Meyer, then Commander of the Gallagher-Hansen Post 295 of the V.F.W., called for new volunteers.

Auxiliary Police Force

By February 1962, the unit—then known as the Auxiliary Police Force—had grown to 38 members with W.D. Pletsch as Chief. In 1974, the city provided new uniforms and the group was renamed the South St. Paul Police Reserve.

Past chiefs of the Reserve Unit include:

• W.D. Pletsch
• Tom Cosgrove
• Bud Dittle
• Tim Froelich
• Bob Houman
• Keith Jacobson
• Gary Kaldun
• Sylvester Lang
• George Schember
• Todd Waters
• Kim Woog
• J.J. Francis
• James Woodburn
• Randy Graff
• Lindsey Brotzler (current chief)

Responsibilities of the Reserves

Reserves assist with emergencies such as traffic control, flooding, and park patrol. They also support community events like Kaposia Days, On The Road Again Fall Festival, and the Memorial Day Parade.

By 2004, the unit had 17 members contributing over 4,000 volunteer hours annually. All members undergo Field Training, Use of Force instruction, and basic first aid training.

Active Members and Alumni

Many reserve members have joined the regular police force, including:

• Retired Captain David Vujovich
• Retired Sergeant Jim Neilsen
• Retired Officer Joe Dement
• Retired Chiefs Michael Messerich, Daniel Vujovich, and William Messerich

Current officers who served in the Reserves include Chief Brian Wicke, Commander Michael Running, and several officers such as Richard Schwab, Matthew Case, and others.

Alumni also serve in other law enforcement agencies, including:

• Apple Valley
• Brooklyn Center
• Buffalo
• Inver Grove Heights
• Cook County Sheriff's Office
• Minnesota Department of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement
• Minnesota State Patrol
• Hennepin County Sheriff
• Minnetonka
• North St. Paul
• Ramsey County Sheriff
• St. Paul
• Mankato
• West St. Paul
• Burnsville
• Woodbury

Purpose of the Reserves

The Reserve Unit supports the Police Department during disasters, parades, and public events, or wherever additional personnel are needed. Most duties are voluntary, though some events may be paid with prior approval.

Functions and Requirements

Reserve Officers assist with non-hazardous tasks and may be asked to:

• Secure crime scenes
• Search for lost persons or evidence
• Direct traffic at accidents or fires
• Conduct park, school, or event patrols
• Support community or school functions

Additional Requirements

• Must be 19+, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid Class D or higher Minnesota driver’s license.
• First aid and law enforcement experience is helpful but not required—training is provided.
• Must commit to ~8 hours/month and attend monthly meetings on the first Sunday at 7 p.m.
• Uniforms and equipment are provided and must be returned upon leaving the unit.