August 2026 Newsletter (Volume 12, Issue 8)
August 2026 Newsletter (Volume 12, Issue 8)
Headlines are provided below. Click to read each story in the newsletter.
Note from Sheriff Torgerson
In this issue we are highlighting the side of our office, more than one hundred folks whose work is mostly unseen but a critical facet of our Olmsted County criminal justice system and our community. The staff in the detention center have a very difficult task as the detainees come in with a multitude of challenges, key among them are mental health and addiction, sometimes both.
Having started my career more than four decades ago in downtown Minneapolis as a deputy in the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center I have a special place in my heart for our staff that work each day and night to care, support, encourage, and hold accountable the people in our facilities. As noted in the article from the very first day our detention staff are fed the tools to help them succeed in being safe as well as making a difference in the lives of the detainees.
Thank you to the thin silver line for keeping order inside the walls.
Detention Services Staffing and Training Update
Sergeant Maja Donohue
We're excited to share some strong progress in our staffing and training efforts this year. In January, we welcomed 17 new Detention Deputies to the team. They have completed onboarding and are finishing their field training, and we're proud of the professionalism and commitment they've already shown.
At the end of July, we started another academy class of 11 new recruits. This group will participate in a six-week Detention Center Academy designed to build core competencies and professional confidence before they transition to field training on shift.
Their academy training will include:
- Interpersonal communications
- Ethics and professional standards
- Security threat groups
- Medical response and basic first aid
- Equipment operation and safety
- Report writing
- Wellness, resilience, and stress management
A key feature of our academy continues to be our partnership with Olmsted Medical Center (OMC). Through OMC’s Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance program, recruits receive specialized athletic training that supports injury prevention, recovery, and long-term physical readiness. OMC’s certified athletic trainers offer expert evaluation of movement patterns, hands-on treatment for pain or on-duty injury, targeted therapy exercises, and access to a broader referral network when needed.
This tactical performance program is designed specifically for those who serve, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel. Training emphasizes injury prevention, functional strength, and job-specific performance demands. The program is flexible, allowing training to be delivered both on-site at the Detention Center or at OMC, ensuring staff can participate in the program in a setting that supports operational needs.
With continued hiring momentum and the upcoming academy, we’re investing not only in staffing levels, but in the quality, capability, and well-being of the deputies who serve our facility and our community each day.
10th annual Friends of Treatment Court Kickball Tournament
Olmsted County is pleased to announce the 10th annual Friends of Treatment Court Kickball Tournament, a free, family-friendly community event taking place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at McQuillan Field, 1655 Marion Rd. SE 1 in Rochester.
This milestone year will feature a variety of activities for attendees of all ages, including:
- Dunk tank
- Bean bags
- Food provided by John Hardy’s
- Additional family-friendly games and entertainment
Alex Bunger, Associate Director of Dodge and Olmsted Community Corrections, shared the importance of this longstanding gathering.
“This annual event has become a great community-wide gathering to support the work of Treatment Court and bring all participants together for a fun family-friendly event.” Bunger said. “Over the years this event has grown in popularity and attendance, and this year will be no exception. Olmsted County is honored to continue to support this great event in our community, and we know that our clients and their families feel supported, this event represents the totality of that community effort.”
The kickball tournament is open to teams of all skill levels, with a 16-team maximum. Teams are encouraged to pre-register by August 7, 2026, to secure their spot.
For questions or to register a team, please contact:
Steven Blazing: steven.blazing@olmstedcounty.gov
Andrew Lea: andrew.lea@olmstedcounty.gov
Monthly Snapshot: New Hire Training in Adult Detention Center
Our Minnesota state governing body (Department of Corrections) requires 120 hours of training for correctional officer new hires in their first year of employment, and then 20 hours each subsequent year. The American Corrections Association (best practices) suggests 120 hours and then 40 hours each subsequent year.
Olmsted County Adult Detention Center maintains a significantly higher standard, providing 255 hours of academy instruction followed by an average of 528 hours of supervised training with a field trainer to ensure competency and readiness.
Dates of Interest
August 3
Pleasant Grove Township Meeting
Oronoco Township Meeting
Rochester City Council Meeting
August 4
Elmira Township Meeting
High Forest Township Meeting
Olmsted County Board Meeting
Night to Unite
August 5
Salem Township Meeting
August 6
Dover City Council Meeting
Quincy Township Meeting
Rochester Township Meeting
August 10
Cascade Township Meeting
Chatfield City Council Meeting
Orion Township Meeting
Rock Dell Township Meeting
August 11
Byron City Council Meeting
Marion Township Meeting
New Haven Township Meeting
Stewartville City Council Meeting
Rochester Safe City Nights (Watson)
August 12
Eyota Township Meeting
August 13
Eyota City Council Meeting
August 17
Kalmar Township Meeting
Rochester City Council Meeting
August 18
Farmington Township Meeting
Olmsted County Board Meeting
Oronoco City Council Meeting
Pine Island City Council Meeting
August 19
Haverhill Township Meeting
Olmsted County Township Association Meeting
August 22
Friends of Treatment Court Kickball Tournament
August 24
Chatfield City Council Meeting
Dover Township Meeting
Viola Township Meeting
August 25
Stewartville City Council Meeting
August 27
Eyota City Council Meeting
Senior Administration
Sheriff
Kevin Torgerson
Chief Deputy - LEC
James Schueller
Captains
Jon Jacobson
Kelly Lee
Ryan Mangan
Tim Parkin
Chris Wallace
Director - ADC
Samantha Reps
Captains
David Adams
Andy Danielson
Luke Wrubel