Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have one sister, my mom, and my dad. My dad is a Vietnam Vet, and my sister is a nurse, and my mom was a nurse for 30 years. My wife and I have been married for 13 years and have 3 kids. Two of them are fraternal twins.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been working for the Big Lake Police Department since the day after Labor Day, 2022. I have never lived in Big Lake but have quickly loved my everyday experience since I have worked here.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I was with the Robbinsdale police force for 16 years. Currently, I am the Chief of Police for Big Lake. It was certainly a change from working in the metro, but I was attracted to Big Lake when I learned of the support for the police department, the community engagement of the department and the small-town feel. I’m looking forward to working on succession planning and growth opportunities for the police department. This is a growing area, and it is closer to our home.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I plan to continue with the Big Lake police department. I’d like to implement new technologies, growth within the department, focus on career development of officers, and leadership. I see myself leading by example and being there for our officers, community and city leadership.
Q: If you could only have one food/meal and one drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
New York Strip steak, baked potato, and Bush’s Baked Beans. My drink would be water.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
My nickname has always been Kaz. It started when I was younger and carried on through the Robbinsdale police department.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would like to read minds – though I would need to be cautious about this!
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
The first thing I would do is take my wife to a beach where we could sit and talk about what we want to do with the money. We would get a new house, new truck, a Side by Side, and golf clubs.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom and dad, as well as, my sister, brother-in-law (who has been like an older brother to me), and my wife.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming the Chief of Police for Big Lake, my children, and finding the love of my life.
Q: Do you have any pets?
Yes. We have a Walker Treeing Coon Hound. Here name is Hayley, and she was a rescue dog.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Yellowstone and Breaking Bad are two favorite shows. I like Shawshank Redemption, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story as movies.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
Christmas is my favorite holiday and Summer is my favorite season.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to travel the East Coast, specifically to the NE states. I also want to go to Hawaii and get my master’s degree.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Golf, my basketball league, exercise (running and biking), summer and ice fishing, and riding ATV.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
Ember Coffee, Lake Cafe, Willy’s on the Water, and The Buff for restaurants.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have never experienced such a welcoming community who support their police officers the way Big Lake does. I am overwhelmingly excited for the future of the police department and the community as we grow together.
Q: What advice would you giving people living in Big Lake?
Try to get engaged and involved in the community and with your neighbors.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community who deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Mayor Paul Knier and our Office Manager, Tina Peterson.
