Cpt. Shoemaker wins state award

A deputy who has been with Chisago County for 20-plus years was honored last week by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association with the 2012 Deputy of the Year Award for Sheriff’s Supervisor. Captain Bob Shoemaker accepted the recognition Dec. 3 during last week’s state association conference. The honoree “must demonstrate over a sustained period of time performance that is significantly above the average expected performance and contributes to the betterment of the office and community,” according to the nominatiing criteria. Cpt. Shoemaker oversees investigations and the court security division for the Chisago County sheriff’s office. He also spearheaded the project transitioning the countywide records management system and worked as a liaison to area police departments to implement the system in early 2009. He was also working at the time integrating the county into the statewide ARMER radio network. He remains active with the project and the association selection committee was told that he “goes beyond what is required to ensure the project’s success.” Also, in 2004 Cpt. Shoemaker was tasked with heading up the process of designing and collecting outside input on a proposed law enforcement center, dispatch center and jail. Jail and office space planning continues. The new dispatch/communications center has opened. “He has clearly demonstrated a high level of competency and commitment to the citizens of Chisago County,” the sheriff concludes in the nomination letter.