Our mission is to provide financial support for equipment, training, and programs to enhance the safety and provide crime prevention to the citizens of Cottage Grove.”

Public Safety Board President Julie Rice

Fresh off adopting the agenda Dec. 4, the Cottage Grove City Council saw a presentation from the Public Safety Board.
A non-profit citizens board that works with the city's public safety department through the police liaison officer and fire chief, the Public Safety Commission works to help promote the partnership between the department and citizens to ensure a safe community.
"Our mission is to provide financial support for equipment, training, and programs to enhance the safety and provide crime prevention to the citizens of Cottage Grove," Public Safety Board President Julie Rice explained. "In order for us to do that, we fundraise and accept donations from businesses in our area."
Included with fundraising are stuffed dog toys and design of different patches by a member of the Public Safety Board, including patches for breast cancer and autism awareness, a veterans memorial and others.
"In order for us to get extra money, businesses support us," Rice said.
Recognized Dec. 4 was Kent Ripplinger and Panamint Capital, otherwise known as LSP. Located near 3M and donating repeatedly over the past decade, Panamint has helped the Public Safety Board purchase several K9 dogs, including Blitz, Gunnar, and Scout.
"So all of our K9 dogs have come from the help of generous donations of LSP," Rice said of donations. For K9 Odin, Panamint donated towards purchase of a ballistic vest.
Unable to purchase a ballistics vest as he does not receive a paycheck from the city, K9 Odin's present compensation includes a Kong toy and accolades from those he serves.
"With the help of LSP, we purchased a ballistic vest for Odin, so that he's safe during his shift at night," Rice said.
Ripplinger shared a few comments on the donation.
"Like Julie said, a lot of people don't know we're here, but we're a power plant. We supply power to Xcel Energy as an independent power producer. And then we also supply steam to 3M," Ripplinger said. "Thank you guys. I guess what I'd like to say is thanks for everything you do. The K9 unit, police department, chief. I'm glad to work for a company that supports the mission. Thank you."
Placing second this year alongside his partner at a national K9 competition that included obedience, apprehension work, and suspect finding, K9 Odin now has a ballistics vest, thanks to the donations of LSP and the Public Safety Board.