Otter Tail County officials expressed gratitude for the dedication of public safety staff as they were shown the investments in equipment and facilities that enhance protection for both residents and law enforcement officers.

The county’s public safety infrastructure includes several specialized assets that serve the county and region, including the SHERP vehicle, the command center vehicle, water patrol and diving assets, overland vehicles and the Sheriff’s Office Ottertail Operations Center facility. 

“This tour was an opportunity for commissioners to understand the critical role of technology and infrastructure investments, and to see firsthand how these resources enable our law enforcement to effectively protect our residents and themselves,” said County Administrator Nicole Hansen.

The operations center features an evidence processing/packaging area that allows officers to expedite evidence processing before sending materials to the state lab for analysis. The facility also houses advanced training equipment, including Axon virtual reality systems that allow officers to practice and simulate various situations. The building is designed to withstand F3 tornado conditions and, in an emergency or disaster, may serve to house an Emergency Operations Center.

The SHERP all-terrain vehicle can navigate wetlands, lakes with areas of thin ice, and rough terrain that would be inaccessible to traditional emergency vehicles, making it invaluable for reaching suspects and victims in remote locations during search and rescue missions.

Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons emphasized the impact of county support on department operations. 

“We are thankful for the county’s ongoing support,” Fitzgibbons said. “Having access to modernized equipment and training allows our officers to do their jobs well.”

The department’s technology includes body cameras and squad car cameras, with most equipment funded through grants. The county also maintains regional partnerships, providing support to other counties while receiving backup and redundancy services in return.

Among the department’s specialized resources is award-winning canine Jocko, who demonstrated his skills by locating three personal items hidden in the tall grass during the tour. 

“These investments in public safety infrastructure and training are essential for protecting our residents,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “We’re proud to support our dedicated public safety staff with the resources they need to serve our county.”