HomeMy WebLinkAboutTom Olson Distinguished Service AwardContact: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • jbennerotte@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Officer Tom Olson Receives Distinguished Service Award
Edina, Minn., Aug. 23, 2022 – Officer Tom Olson recently received the Edina Police Department’s Distinguished Service Award.
Olson, who joined the department in 1999, received the award for his dedication to the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team, of which he was part from 2001 to 2021. During those 20 years,
he attended numerous trainings and was instrumental in ending many conflicts peacefully. For example, in 2007, officers were called to an Edina apartment where a man told officers he
had a hostage and was threatening suicide. The man barricaded himself in the apartment as SWAT teams formed a perimeter. Olson spoke with and patiently listened to the man for more
than six hours, forming a relationship. The man eventually admitted to Olson he did not have a hostage and asked if he could surrender peacefully.
Since 2013 when the department began to track trainings and callouts, Olson attended 23 consortium trainings and responded to at least nine separate incidents.
“Many callouts took Officer Olson asway from his family during the day and night hours. His experience and guidance during these 20 years helped him mentor and train many new negotiators.
In addition to assisting his team members, Officer Olson also coached dispatchers through many challenging phone calls and 911 calls in the Edina Dispatch Center,” said Police Chief
Todd Milburn. “Officer Olson’s diligence, perseverance and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Edina Police Department.”
Olson, who joined the Police Department in X, received a handsome plaque and uniform pin as part of his recognition.
For more information on the Edina Police Department, visit EdinaMN.gov or call 952-826-1610.
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