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Moorhead Police Department swears in new officer and promotes a captain; chief praises leadership
Summary
The Moorhead Police Department promoted Captain Laddie Beta and swore in Officer Caden Varda during Tuesday's council meeting; Chief Helmick cited Beta's leadership during a six-month vacancy and described the new officer's prior service.
The Moorhead Police Department on Tuesday promoted Captain Laddie Beta and swore in a new hire, Officer Caden Varda, in a recognition ceremony at the Moorhead City Council meeting.
"It's my honor tonight to announce that Laddie is being promoted to the rank of captain within the Moorhead Police Department," Chief Helmick told the council, noting the position had been vacant for six months and praising Beta’s leadership and years of service to the city.
Chief Helmick said Captain Beta has served the city for 10 years and has held roles including field training officer, crime-scene technician, narcotics detective, SWAT operator and patrol lieutenant. He also summarized Beta’s education and military service, saying Beta earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Public Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and that Beta retired as a lieutenant colonel in May 2024 after more than 20 years of military service.
The chief described Beta as having been "instrumental during the transition of the department leadership, providing me with invaluable insight, thoughtful advice, and honest input that has helped guided our department forward." Captain Beta’s wife, Alyssa, came forward to pin his badge.
The council also welcomed Officer Caden Varda, Chief Helmick said, noting Varda comes from the Breckenridge Police Department and began his law-enforcement career with the West Fargo Police Department in 2017. Helmick said Varda served in roles including field training officer, evidence custodian and detective and was promoted to sergeant in January 2025. Varda graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston in 2017.
Both officers took the standard oath of office at the front of the council chamber. Council Member Chuck Hendrickson administered the oath; the officers recited their pledge to support the constitutions and faithfully discharge duties.
"I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions," the oath recited by the officers said, as printed in the meeting record.
Council members and the chief emphasized the human side of the events, thanking families for their support and noting the public nature of the swearing-in as a community event. No formal council vote was required for the personnel actions recorded during the recognition portion of the meeting.
