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Lakeville Police promote three lieutenants and five sergeants in October ceremony
Summary
Chief Brad Paulson and the Lakeville City Council recognized multiple internal promotions in the police department, including three lieutenants and five sergeants, and highlighted professional development and succession from community service officer roles.
Lakeville Police Department leaders and City Council members recognized a slate of internal promotions at the Oct. 6 Lakeville City Council meeting, with Chief Brad Paulson introducing three new lieutenants and five newly promoted sergeants.
Paulson said 2025 has been a year of notable turnover among long‑time employees and praised the department's internal promotional pipeline. The newly recognized lieutenants and their recent assignments or backgrounds were: - Lieutenant Jeff Hanson — began as a community service officer and became a sworn officer in January 2005; prior assignments include the Dakota County Drug Task Force and South Metro SWAT; previously a sergeant for more than six years and holds a master's degree in police leadership from the University of St. Thomas. - Lieutenant Thor Howe — began as a community service officer, sworn in April 2006; previously a school resource officer and member of the street crimes unit; instructor and supervisor in firearms and use‑of‑force training; promoted in April and now oversees professional standards, training, hiring and wellness. - Lieutenant Jeremy Loehrfeld — more than 28 years in law enforcement with 17+ at Lakeville PD; previous roles include detective, canine handler and chief deputy at the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office; began his lieutenant role in May overseeing patrol and related programs.
The newly promoted sergeants recognized were Tom Danielson, Allison Shank, Nick Jacobson, Sarah Ehrman and Casey King. Chief Paulson read brief biographical summaries: several began as community service officers, others brought experience from other agencies including the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marine Corps. Responsibilities noted across the group include field training officer work, K‑9 handling, SWAT and sniper duties, crime scene work and peer support. Several of the promotions began between March and June of this year.
Council members offered public thanks and praised the department's culture and succession. Mayor Lou Kelly and councilors said the promotions reflect retention and a set of values consistent with community expectations for public safety leadership.
The council paused for the recognition and allowed family members and coworkers to celebrate the promoted officers. Chief Paulson and council members said the department will continue leadership training and professional development for staff.
