Rosemount swears in Kevin Tapper as police sergeant; chief praises investigative work

Rosemount Police Chief Dahlstrom administered remarks Tuesday as the council and community gathered to recognize the promotion of Kevin Tapper to police sergeant and to acknowledge the staff who led a recent public-safety facility grand opening.

Chief Dahlstrom described Tapper's career path in Rosemount and earlier service with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Tampa. According to Dahlstrom, Tapper worked patrol and served as a field training officer, joined the department's detective bureau and led investigations that included identity-theft and internet child-exploitation cases. Dahlstrom recounted an identity-theft investigation that tracked a suspect to Las Vegas and coordinated with Las Vegas Metro PD, resulting in arrests and extradition actions.

Dahlstrom also cited Tapper's roles as president of the patrol union, firearms and use-of-force instructor and alcohol-and-tobacco compliance officer. "He's been known for his work with ICAC," Dahlstrom said, using the department's acronym for internet crimes against children cases, and he praised Tapper's thorough documentation and commitment to follow-through. Dahlstrom said the department relies on sergeants in a small police organization and called Tapper a "trusted leader."

Chief Dahlstrom and the mayor led recognition of the police and public works staff who planned and ran the department training facility grand opening, which Dahlstrom described as a significant community event. After remarks, the oath of office was administered and Tapper received congratulatory remarks from council members and staff.

No formal council vote was required for the promotion, which was presented as a ceremonial oath at the meeting. The council also invited the public to a reception with cake and refreshments at the new training site following the meeting.