Foley Police Officers Experience the Super Bowl
Officer Bart Kothman
What was it like to represent Foley at the Super Bowl?
I took a lot of pride in representing Foley at the Super Bowl. Being a part of not just our department but the melding of several different agencies throughout the state was a very unique experience.
What types of jobs/assignments did you do?
Our job assignment was basic foot patrol. We would be assigned a Minneapolis Officer or officers to help us maneuver the streets and we would rove with approximately six or more officers in a group.
How did this experience help you become a better police officer?
I believe it helped to reinforce in me the need for police to be approachable and patient – something I try to do in my normal duties now.
Did you learn anything that will help you with your policing here in Foley?
Just that this experience helps me appreciate the importance of knowing the community in which I patrol and having more of a personal touch in knowing its citizens or maybe areas that are of concern.
If given the opportunity to help with another event of this size, would you be interested in participating?
I would definitely be interested. It’s a great way to see how different departments operate, and there’s a sense real team work when that many officers and departments are involved. Thanks to Chief McMillin and the city council for giving us the opportunity to participate!
Officer Jason Abbott
What was it like to represent Foley at the Super Bowl?
It was a privilege to represent the Foley Police Department at such a “once in a lifetime” event. We had contact with people from all over the world thanking us for our service and telling us they felt much safer because of our presence.
What types of jobs/assignments did you do?
I was assigned to foot patrol in the downtown Minneapolis beat. Our primary focus was to maintain safety and security at all the Super Bowl functions along Nicolett Ave. and at the downtown bars and restaurants.
How did this experience help you become a better police officer?
It was a great experience working with numerous officers and deputies from several different agencies across Minnesota. Networking among so many law enforcement agencies is always a benefit.
Did you learn anything that will help you with your policing here in Foley?
The most important thing I learned, don’t base all your judgements from what you hear from the media. The Eagles and Patriots fans were both very respectful towards each other and Law Enforcement. There was so much hype leading up to the game that the Eagles fans were obnoxious and even dangerous, but we did not experience that at all.
If given the opportunity to help with another event of this size, would you be interested in participating?
I absolutely would be interested in doing this again. There was representation from across the state and I was proud to represent the Foley Police Department.
Office Dylan Kleinsasser
What was it like to represent Foley at the Super Bowl?
It was a lot of fun and an honor to represent one of my departments in the City of Minneapolis.
What types of jobs/assignments did you do?
We were assigned to patrol downtown Minneapolis and the skyways for all of their events (NFL Live).
How did this experience help you become a better police officer?
Taught me how to be more interactive with diverse communities and what do do during major events. Example: Traffic control and crowd control.
Did you learn anything that will help you with your policing here in Foley?
Yes.
If given the opportunity to help with another event of this size, would you be interested in participating?
Yes, I would.
Officer Josh Lindgren
What was it like to represent Foley at the Super Bowl?
It was a unique experience to be a part of such a large collaboration of law enforcement efforts. Law enforcement agencies from all around the nation were present and I was glad to be able to play a small role in maintaining the safety and security of the event and its visitors.
What types of jobs/assignments did you do?
We were assigned to foot patrols in the downtown Minneapolis area to help keep residents and visitors to the events safe and to help create a highly visible law enforcement presence.
How did this experience help you become a better police officer?
It was a beneficial experience to be able to see how an event of this magnitude was orchestrated and to understand the role that communication plays to successfully staff an event of this size. It highlighted the importance of building and maintaining positive partnerships with other agencies as well as the communities that we serve.
Did you learn anything that will help you with your policing here in Foley?
The reaction from the community was very humbling by people constantly thanking us for the work we do. These reactions were a great reminder that our proactive policing and community building efforts do contribute to a better and more satisfied community.
If given the opportunity to help with another event of this size, would you be interested in participating?
In a heartbeat!
Super Bowl LII
