by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Cited for his leadership and quality service to the city’s safety, Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes received a Meritorious Service medal from the city council at its June 9 meeting.
In a brief ceremony before the council meeting, Sartell Mayor Joe Perske presented the medal, and police officer Dale Struffert pinned it to Hughes’ uniform.
Perske said Hughes has shown expertise in providing outstanding public safety, in making the city a welcoming and friendly place, in helping handle deftly the catastrophe at the Verso paper mill two years ago and in keeping the Drug Awareness and Education program going for students.
In accepting the medal, Hughes deflected credit away from himself to his staff and officers and reserve officers.
“Without them, I couldn’t do what I do.”
Hughes also thanked former Sartell police chiefs for setting high standards – the late Jerry O’Driscoll, who hired Hughes 23 years ago; and Bob Ringstrom, who preceded Hughes as chief.
