Moorhead honors local human-rights awardees and swears in five new police officers

The Moorhead City Council opened the Dec. 8 meeting with recognition of community leaders selected for the Moorhead Human Rights Awards. Human Rights Commission members presented awards to Arianne Fawcett (education/diversity work at Minnesota State University Moorhead), Pastor Michelle Weber (nonprofit support, food pantry and community meals), Tyler Strand (M State social worker), and Kavitha Kundara (housing equity and refugee support). Recipients described community partnerships and ongoing efforts to support students, refugees and people experiencing homelessness.

After recognitions, Police Chief Chris Helmick introduced and administered a swearing-in for five new police officers who will begin field training: Meshach Adabla, Sam Larson, Martin McClain Hayes, Stephanie Nolasco and Brock Wakefield. Helmick said the department has sworn in 19 officers since August and that the department's sworn staff currently stands at about 63, with three openings remaining. He also introduced a new public safety communications specialist who will serve both police and fire dispatch functions.

Council and the mayor offered thanks to award recipients and department staff. The presentations highlighted community volunteerism, campus supports for students, and the city's ongoing recruitment efforts for public-safety personnel.