Spring 2026 Shakopee Snapshot

PUBLIC SAFETY

A Note from Fire Marshal Tom Pitschneider Take Fire Safety with You When Traveling I recently read a post on social media about a family that was trav eling. They were staying in a short-term rental home. Unfortu nately, during their stay a fire occurred in the home. The family was able to escape but damage to the home was extensive. Working in fire safety and prevention I am always aware of fire pro tection equipment and fire escape routes, but many people do not consider these issues when traveling. We talk a lot about fire safety at home and having fire escape plans for our family. Do we take that message with us when we are traveling or on vacation? You never know when or where a fire could occur, so you should always be prepared. Here are some tips to take with you on your next trip: Fire Sprinklers —When possible, look for housing options that have fire sprinklers installed. Fire sprinklers greatly reduce the risk of injuries or death should a fire occur. Smoke Alarm —Working smoke alarms can provide early warning of a fire, giving you time to escape before smoke and flames make escape impossible. Verify if the location you are staying at has smoke alarms installed. For extra safety you can always bring a battery-operated smoke alarm with you when you travel. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms —There are some states and foreign countries where CO alarms are not required in buildings. Carbon Monoxide is odorless, so verify if the location you are staying at has alarms installed. For extra safety you can pack a battery-operated or plug-in style CO alarm with you when you travel. Fire Escape Plan —Survey the location and determine a meeting spot for your family. Find the best escape routes from the building you are staying at and discuss the escape plan with your family. In hotel or condominium properties, count the number of doors between your unit and the nearest exit stairs. In buildings, always be aware of alternate exits that can be used should an emergency occur. Building Fire Alarm —Apartment buildings, condominiums, and resort properties usually have fire alarm systems in their buildings. Ask what those systems should sound like so you can be prepared to react should the alarms sound. Some locations may have voice-evacuation systems that provide an audible sound and voice message. Fire safety starts at home, but it also needs to travel with you on your next adventure. Being aware and prepared can help reduce injuries or deaths should a fire occur during your journeys. If you have questions or want more information on fire safety, feel free to reach out to us at firesafety@ShakopeeMN.gov .

A legacy of service Chief Jeff Tate retires after more than 27 years with Shakopee Police Department After more than 27 years of dedicated service to the City of Sha kopee, Police Chief Jeff Tate retired on Feb. 28, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, innovation, and an unwavering com mitment to community. Chief Tate joined the Shakopee Police Department in August 1998 as a patrol officer, shortly after graduating from St. Cloud State University with a degree in criminal justice. A Richfield native, Tate grew up in a family rooted in public service, his mother a nurse and his father a police officer. That influence, combined with his first ride-along experience during his senior year of high school, confirmed his calling to law enforcement. Over the next three decades, Tate rose steadily through the ranks. He served as a field training officer and SWAT operator, later becom ing a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team leader. He was promoted to sergeant in 2001, became the department’s first captain in 2007, and was appointed Police Chief and Emergency Manager in 2009. In fact, Tate was only the fifth police chief to serve Shakopee since 1950 and is second in tenure only to former Chief Pat Thielan. Throughout his career, Tate remained committed to professional development and leadership excellence. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Metropolitan State University in 2010, attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and completed the FBI Leadership Development Program. In 2022, he received an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Har vard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Tate’s leadership extended well beyond the Shakopee city lim its. Chief Tate served nine years as a director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and more than 15 years on its Leg islative Committee, frequently testifying at the Capitol on public safety issues. He also contributed to numerous state and national boards and advisory councils focused on public safety, traffic safety, victim services, and substance use recovery. “Congratulations to Chief Tate,” said Minnesota Chiefs of Police Executive Director Jeff Potts. “Thank you for your years of dedi cated service to the City of Shakopee and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. His commitment to mentorship, integrity, and service helped shape both our organization and the next genera tion of leaders. His impact will be felt for years to come.” Under Tate’s leadership, the department earned national recog nition for its innovative, community-centered approach to polic ing. The department became the only law enforcement agency in the country to receive both the Excellence in Community Policing Award (twice) and the Excellence in Victim Services Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Always know where the

emergency exits are located when you are traveling.

12 Shakopee Snapshot