In terms of responsibility, I’m responsible for that umbrella of providing public safety, which is law enforcement services, fire, EMS and emergency management.”

Cottage Grove Public Safety Director and Police Chief Brad Petersen

Cottage Grove Public Safety Director and Police Chief Brad Petersen discussed his new leadership role, the challenges of budgeting and the city’s ongoing transition toward a full-time professional fire and EMS department during a recent episode of the city’s GroveCast podcast.
Petersen oversees law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management, a combination of responsibilities he said would often be divided among several positions in other communities.
“In terms of responsibility, I’m responsible for that umbrella of providing public safety, which is law enforcement services, fire, EMS and emergency management,” Petersen told show co-hosts Phils Jents and Emily Schmitz.
Petersen has served as interim public safety director since April following the medical retirement of former public Safety Director Pete Koerner, before being formally appointed and sworn in at council Aug. 19. He described the transition as fast-paced and stressful, but said Cottage Grove already had an established mission, vision and strategic plan to guide the department.
Petersen brings 23 years of law enforcement experience to the position. His public safety career began in Michigan as a volunteer firefighter and EMT-paramedic. After moving to Minnesota around 2001, he worked at Hennepin County Medical Center and in surrounding communities before coming to Cottage Grove. He also served in the military, an experience he credited with providing leadership experience.
Although much of his current work takes place behind a desk or at conference tables, Petersen said he tries to remain connected with employees in the field. He participates in police and firefighter training when his schedule allows, including firearms and defensive tactics training as well as fire exercises.
“It keeps me connected to those that I lead and gives me an opportunity to connect with other citizens as well in a different way,” Petersen said.
One of the major challenges Petersen discussed was determining how limited public dollars should be divided among competing needs. He said he enjoys the strategic, forward-looking side of budgeting but described allocating resources as difficult.
A current priority is the city’s fire and EMS operation. Petersen said the police department is currently in a strong position, while fire and EMS are undergoing a significant transition.
The fire department is moving from what Petersen described as a hybrid, on-call model toward a professional full-time department. At the same time, he said community demands are exceeding current staffing levels and the department faces other costly needs.
“In this moment, I need to prioritize the needs of the fire department and our EMS folks over the police department,” Petersen said. He acknowledged that approach was not popular within the police department but said employees understood the reasons behind it.
Petersen said the broader goal is maintaining public safety and quality of life as Cottage Grove continues to grow. The community has nearly 42,000 residents, along with people who work in or visit the city.
He encouraged residents with concerns to contact the public safety department, emphasizing a collaborative and proactive approach to solving problems.
“We want people to be proud of this community,” Petersen said. “If you have a concern, if you have a need, just reach out to us, and we’ll work through it together.”