Before the Faribault City Council meeting Tuesday evening Police Chief Andy Bohlen presented Meritorious Service Medals to two members of the Faribault Police Department.  During his introductions Chief Bohlen said the two were "outstanding police officers."  He explained when he started in Faribault in 2012 the Rice County Drug Task Force was not much of a task force.

Since then the Faribault Police Chief said the task force has become recognized across the state and officers Cadie Spicer and Dave Dillon, "have done a phenomenal job making this team what it is."  Bohlen chose this time to make the presentations because they both are no longer with the task force and are back on the streets of Faribault "in blue."  They did some undercover narcotics work over the last few years.

Bohlen told the Faribault City Council, "Our drug task force over the last six years has been an integral part of dropping our crime rate over 30 percent in this state."

First he presented a medal and certificate to Officer Spicer.  The certificate noted Spicer was the "first full time agent with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force."  Spicer received the Meritorious Service medal for, "consistently performing with distinction and dedication for four years from February 2014 through 2018.  In that period Agent Spicer worked tirelessly to create a successful task force, improve task force reputation within the community and put numerous drug and violent offenders behind bars."

"During Agent Spicer's tenure she had over 200 open, complex cases with drug seizures and been directly involved in the actual followup of over 200 felony arrests.  She's personally spearheaded over 100 search warrants and her efforts have resulted in safely removing numerous children from dangerous environments.  Educated hundreds of citizens and various civic groups on the drug trends.  The seizure of illegal drugs with a street value in excess over $200,000 and the seizure of over $70,000 in cash and assets from violent drug distributors."

"She's taken over 16 firearms from the streets and she's been involved and recognized by the Faribault Police Department for her long hours and dedication to making the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force successful."

The certificate awarded to Officer Dillon was similar in wording.  Dillon was sworn in as a new Captain just before the award presentation.  The 20 year veteran of the police force was the first commander of the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force.

The Medal for Meritorious Service was presented to Captain Dillon, "who performed with exceptional leadership during the creation of the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force.  Captain Dillon led with integrity and a tenacious drive to succeed."

"Under Commander Dillon's leadership the task force opened nearly 850 felony cases, executed nearly 300 search warrants, removed over 100 firearms from violent offenders and removed dangerous drugs and confiscated proceeds of drugs and violent crimes from offenders."

Chief Bohlen added, "their team removed over 10 million dollars worth of street value drugs from the streets of Rice County and Le Sueur and throughout Minnesota."  This included the largest seizure of methamphetamine in the history of Minnesota.

L-R Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, Chief Andy Bohlen, Officer Cadie Spicer, Captain Dave Dillon. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
L-R Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, Chief Andy Bohlen, Officer Cadie Spicer, Captain Dave Dillon. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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L-R Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, City Administrator Tim Murray, Captain Dave Dillon and Chief Andy Bohlen. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
L-R Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, City Administrator Tim Murray, Captain Dave Dillon and Chief Andy Bohlen. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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