Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 11-18 Schaller is first recipient of statewide police chief award THE REVIEW r�ayc RICHARD W. ciu-swARv 1981 A $ 'Patsentei to �� � A� �� , : Chief Richard W. Sehalter of the Maplewood Police Department in } q deep appreciation for his outstanding abilities • ! • x and dedication as a Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Special recognition is also given for the major contributions that he has made to theme: � � -t law enforcement profession.both in bis community and throughout the entire State of Minnesota. .°' somilate awls et Pthw Asac'cution 010 S. DICK SCHALLER (left), Maplewood Chief of Police for 20 years, smiles as he looks at the award plaque bearing his own name. He was the first recipient of the Richard W. Schaller Award, to be 4,317 presented annually to an outstanding police chief in the state. Presenting the award at the Nov.5 city council meeting • is Dean O'Borsky, police chief in Hut- chinson and president of the Minnesota a � Chiefs of Police Association. // LI / / Schaller is first recipient of statewidepolice chief award By JONATHON CLYDE GLASS Staff Writer friends." He thanked his friends within changed from the constable system — the Maplewood Police Department and having two men, appointed by the town Maplewood Police Chief Richard W. other departments, as well as his wife board, patrol the streets on a part-time Schaller received the highest award of- Gloria and their three children, Scott, basis — to a professional police force. fered by his colleagues in the Minnesota Julie and Laurie. There were three part-time officers on Chiefs of Police Association when they force when Schaller arrived. established the Richard W. Schaller "WHEN ALL THE peers you've worked In 1957, Tom Hagen, then working the Award to be given annually to an out- with for 20 years say you've done a good night shift at Hamm's Brewery, was standing police chief in the state. It is the job it kind of humbles you,"Schaller later added to the department. Schaller and only statewide award given by the told the Review, in characteristic un- Hagen have worked together ever since. association, whose leaders unanimously derstatement. In 1960, the city decided to eliminate its agreed to name it after Schaller. "We always set our sights high and part-time police officer positions and go to Besides lending his name to the award, have been willing to accept a lesser level a full-time staff. On Oct. 1, 1961, Schaller Schaller became its first recipient. Dean of achievement,"he continued."Better to was installed as chief of police and Hagen O'Borsky, police chief in Hutchinson, set the sights high than to settle for was named assistant chief.Both men still presented the plaque to Schaller at the mediocrity." hold those titles. Nov.5 city council meeting. More than 30 He has striven to provide "a full In 1962, there were five full-time of- law enforcement chiefs and officers from measure of service," Schaller noted. ficers on the force which grew rapidly the surrounding area honored Schaller by Besides serving on the police department, during the next two decades. There are attending the short but emotional he has been active in local community now 50 people in the department, in- ceremony. and civic affairs—lending his support to eluding 40 sworn officers. Schaller is known for more than his the Lions, Boy Scouts and little league professional abilities and dedication to his associations,and serving on the council of WITH A GROWING department came duties.He also is respected as a model of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.Schaller increased specialization. Schaller has personal courage. For the last two years, also has been a member of the Gladstone guided the department as it trained new "The Chief" has continued to fulfill his Volunteer Fire Department since 1954, officers, left its office in an old house in responsibilities while receiving eventually becoming a captain there. 1965 to move into the current building, chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer. Schaller has had the unique opportunity expanded its fleet of vehicles and "I'm never at a loss for words," to develop the professional character of emergency services, established the Schaller said in his acceptance speech, all facets of the Maplewood Police paramedic unit and developed a "but now I don't know what to say." Department right from the start.A native dispatching system which served several Looking around the room filled with of St. Paul and resident of Maplewood area police and fire departments. At the colleagues from Maplewood and neigh- since 1953, he became a part-time police same time, Schaller continued his boring departments—some of whom he officer in 1956,while he continued to work training, becoming Public Director of has worked with for 25 years— Schaller for the Northern Pacific Railroad Police Safety in 1969 and graduating from the noted, "The greatest thing is to have Force.At that time, Maplewood had just FBI Academy in 1970.