by Mari Radtke
Paullina Police Chief Nate Bremer’s retirement became effective Friday August 22. Council, at their August 18 meeting found themselves in a predicament. They had no certified full time officer. Ryan List, a Park Ranger for Sioux County Conservation is a part time officer. Cain Junkman, a reserve officer serving part time for the city of Sutherland since early 2025 and more recently for the City of Paullina, must have proper certified supervision. List is adequately certified to supervise a reserve officer. It was noted, however that he is not interested in the Chief position. Efforts to recruit a Police Chief are still underway.
But in need of a chief, the council approached the City of Sutherland, who has developed a crew of part time officers under the leadership of Chief Brent Koppe and secured a 28E with the City of Calumet, about if Paullina can temporarily become a part of the service. Sutherland Mayor Kay Gifford and Police Chief Brent Koppe attended the council meeting on August 18 to provide information and answer questions. Koppe explained his vision of how the temporary system can work. It was presented to Council as an “interim policing plan” which Council approved.
Sutherland’s next Council meeting is Monday September 8 when a formal 28E agreement can be considered.