Winter 2019-20 Hometown Messenger

A well-earned send off Capt. Robson retires after 28 years with Shakopee Police Department

When Capt. Craig Robson started as a Shakopee patrol officer in 1991, life was, shall we say, a little different. Most officers didn’t wear bulletproof vests or use seat belts. They used pay phones to call dispatch. The department didn’t even issue him a gun. He had to borrow one from another officer. “Things were so radically different than what they are now,” Robson recalled. “There’s nothing today that is the same as when I started. When you look back, it’s really kind of funny.” It’s those changes that Robson marvels at as he prepares to retire after 28 years in law enforcement – all with the Shakopee Police Department. "Whatever success we’ve had as an

“This has been such a great place to work. The amount of change that happened here is just phenomenal,” Robson said. During his

Shakopee Police Capt. Craig Robson started with the department in 1991. His badge number (23) is a good illustration of how the department has grown, as the city's newest officer was just sworn in with No. 91.

tenure, the police department has tripled in size and been in two different buildings. However, the biggest change has been technology. Today, everything is digital, and officers can access information right from their squad cars. It’s very different from the “days of pen and paper” and when crime scene photos were taken to a downtown drugstore for developing. His favorite memories are some of the more unique experiences that come along with working in Shakopee—major sporting events, concerts and presidential visits. Not everyone has stood on a tee box while Tiger Woods competes for a major championship. “This job gives you the ability to do things that a lot of people don’t get to do,” Robson said. Robson, who became a sergeant in 1998 and was later promoted to captain in 2007, manages the department’s investigative and records units. As he prepares for

retirement, he’s looking forward to having more free time to watch his daughter’s college basketball games, babysit his granddaughter, go ice fishing and maybe even host a holiday without being on-call. Police Chief Jeff Tate says it's impossible to sum up Capt. Robson's contributions in a few sentences. "Whatever success we’ve had as an organization over the last few decades has Craig’s fingerprints all over it," Tate said. "We are really going to miss him as a person and the steady hand he provides in every decision we make." While Robson has seen a lot of change— both in Shakopee and law enforcement— he says one thing hasn’t: an officer’s purpose. And that's something he'll carry with him long after he takes off the badge. “Police work has always been about treating people the right way and being respectful.”

Robson, however, almost didn’t come to Shakopee. The Winnipeg, Canada, native accepted a position with the New Hope Police Department just an hour before Shakopee police offered him a job. Knowing Shakopee was on

organization over the last few decades has Craig’s fingerprints all over it."

Jeff Tate Police Chief

the cusp of major growth, he could not pass up the opportunity to work in such a community.

NEWS & NOTES Longtime firefighter Eric Bender retires Congratulations to Eric Bender, who retired

Yahnke joins the department from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community where he served as a conservation officer. Yahnke fills a patrol vacancy due to the retirement of Capt. Craig Robson and promotion of Sgt. Jason Arras to captain. Winter Coat collection through Dec. 6 Drop off new or gently used coats, gloves and hats for both children and adults to the Shakopee Police Department's Winter Coat Drive. You can drop off items during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be given to families at its annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 11. For more information, contact the Police Department at 952-233-9400.

Oct. 28 after 20 years on the Shakopee Fire Department. Bender, who joined the department in 1999, also served as captain. Congratulations also to Jake Theisen, who celebrated 20 years with the department in October. New officer sworn into office The Shakopee Police Department welcomed its newest patrol officer, Keith Yahnke, in October.

Eric Bender

12 Hometown Messenger

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