---

Officer Tim Tougas, Lakes Area Police Department, has been named this year’s recipient of the James Trudeau Law Enforcement Award. This annual award honors a local licensed law enforcement officer for service and activities related to youth. Officer Tougas will be presented with the award during a recognition ceremony and reception Wednesday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m., in Lindstrom City Hall’s Council Chambers. Community members are welcome to join Youth Service Bureau in thanking Officer Tougas for his outstanding contributions on behalf of youth.

Tougas has been changing lives for area youth for over 20 years. Nominators Assistant Chisago County Attorney Susan Drabek and Lakes Area Police Department Chief Kevin Stenson offered strong testimony in nominating Tougas for the award. “His dedication to youth in Chisago County exceeds that of any other police officer around. He volunteers many hours to give youth involved in Drug Court a fighting chance to overcome their drug problems.” Drabek said. Chief Stenson echoed her remarks, “Tim puts in countless hours without asking for recognition or pay. He does this because he wants to make a difference.”

Peers and colleagues also offered comments about numerous ways in which Tim’s direct involvement affects young people and local families. “Most notable is Officer Tougas’ desire and ability to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the drug court team work effectively,” shared Gary Wood, Chisago County Court Services, in his letter of recommendation.

Chisago Lakes High School Dean Amy Majerle said, “From day one, Officer Tougas established himself not only as a resource for school personnel, but as an advocate and role model for our student body.”

Officer Tougas’ consistent efforts to educate and protect community youth are many. The following activities are benchmarks in his career:

•As a School Resource Officer, he was instrumental in establishing a drug testing program for at-risk youth Chisago’s High School and Middle School.

•Committee member instrumental in implementing the Alternatives for Teen program (a pre-court diversion program for teens with substance use issues).

•Helped establish Chisago County’s first Drug Court.

•DARE instructor for Taylors Falls Elementary School.

•Acts as a Pathway to Change program resource person.

•Teaches CPR and First Responder Courses, Fire Arms Safety, Snowmobile Safety, and ATV Safety.

In her recommendation letter Vonne Vayde, from Pathways to Change, concludes, “Officer Tougas’ commitment to youth and to neighboring communities is truly an asset to this area.”

The award that Officer Tougas will receive is named for former Washington County Sheriff and Youth Service Bureau founding board member, James Trudeau. To be eligible for the award, an officer must live or work in YSB’s primary service area (portions of Anoka and northern Washington Counties, all of Chisago County), be a positive role model for youth, work to break down barriers between youth and adults, and show enthusiasm, leadership, generosity and service to youth above and beyond job duties.

Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is a non-profit organization, serving residents of Washington, Chisago and Anoka counties. The mission of YSB is to ensure the success of youth. Programs and services provided reflect the belief that youth will be successful when relationships are strong, families are involved, communities are caring, harmony is restored and youth have the skills and opportunities for citizenship.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ysblakesarea.org.

---