DICKINSON - The Dickinson Police Department has added three new officers to its ranks, six in total for the month, bringing fresh faces and new talent to a department with a wealth of experience. Sworn in by City Administrator Dustin Dassinger during a recent city commission meeting, Officers Timothy Meyer, Alexander Fransen and Christopher Olson say they are eager to serve and protect the community and have already proven themselves to be a valuable addition to the department.
In front of family and friends, the new officers were welcomed to the department.
The department is proud of the combination of professionalism and eagerness the trio has exhibited and feels they are a great compliment to the team.
Meyer is from South Dakota originally but has lived in North Dakota since he was just a kid.
Prior to joining DPD, he spent time working at his family's HVAC business but has dreamt of becoming an officer for many years.
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What was once a dream is now a reality for Meyer and serving the community of Dickinson is something he considers to be a privilege
“For about 40 hours a week since November, I’ve had the pleasure of learning what it takes to become a good police officer from remarkable people, many of whom are in this room behind me…” Meyer said.
He feels grateful to officially be a part of the department where he has been since October of 2022.
Though initially from Montana, Fransen found his way to Dickinson while pursuing higher education.
Fransen went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Dickinson State University and then a master's degree from Western Governors University in Utah.
Fransen has found a sense of community in Dickinson where he has immersed himself in coaching youth sports in the area for several years.
Not only has he coached middle school football and high school baseball, but he has also spent time as a substitute teacher filling in at various area schools.
Fransen said he has always been drawn to public service and finds the sense of community in Dickinson very evident.
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He intends to continue his education and involvement with the community in his off time because he finds community not only important to him but also for the city of Dickinson too.
“I'm very fortunate to have this department, they see me as a person and not just as an officer…” Fransen said.
Olson made the move from his home state of California to Montana where he spent time earning a college degree and getting his law enforcement career started.
Prior to joining the department, Olson worked at a county jail and a pre-release center in an effort to learn the ins and outs of law enforcement.
Law enforcement has been on Olson's mind his entire life with aspirations of following in the footsteps of his father who is a cop himself.
“Growing up my dad was a police officer so being able to follow in his footsteps is really a dream come true,” Olson said.
He thanked his family and friends for always pushing him and is ready to bring his tools and resources to help serve the citizens of Dickinson.
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