HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_3NewOfficers11_15
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 keidsness@EdinaMN.gov www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Police Department Swears In Three Officers
Edina, Minn., Nov. 23, 2015 – Three new officers recently joined the Edina Police Department. Officers Emily
Jepson and Phillip Spanjers were sworn in Nov. 13; Officer Nicholas Donahue was sworn in Nov. 23. All had
their badges pinned as they were congratulated by friends and family during their swearing-in ceremonies,
held in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
“The swearing-in process is made into a greater event, one in which family members have the ability to pin
the badge on their loved one and truly celebrate the honor of what it means to be an Edina Police Officer,”
said Deputy Police Chief Jeff Elasky.
Jepson joined the Edina Police Department as a Community Service Officer in November 2014, before being
promoted to Police Officer Nov. 2. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Scandinavian and Global Studies from the
University of Minnesota. She also holds a Law Enforcement Certificate from Metropolitan State University.
Prior to joining the City, Jepson worked as a Case Coordinator at a non-profit organization, assisting
developmentally disabled adults. Her husband, Ben, pinned on her badge, No. 148, at the swearing-in
ceremony.
Prior to Spanjers joining the Department Nov. 9, he worked as a Police Officer with the City of Orono since
2013. Spanjers holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Business Administration from the University
of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He completed his skills training at Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria,
Minnesota. His fiancé, Brandi, pinned on his badge, No. 151, at the swearing-in ceremony.
Donahue began work for the Department Nov. 16. Before joining the City, Donahue served as a Deputy for
the Steele County Sheriff’s Department since 2011, where among his many responsibilities he served as a
firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor and field training officer. Prior to that, Donahue served as a
Deputy with the Lyons County Sheriff’s Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice Administration
and Political Science from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota, and completed his
skills training at Alexandria Technical College. His wife, Beth, pinned on his badge, No. 152, at the swearing-in
ceremony.
“I’ve always had an interest in helping the community and wanted a career where no two days are the same,”
said Donahue. “The Edina Police Department is an elite organization and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
For information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610 or visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Police.
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