MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Sioux Falls Police Department is partnering with the community to serve, protect, and promote quality of life.
SFPD SUMMER ASCEND INTERNS
This summer, the SFPD again welcomed 3 Ascend Interns. Jeremiah Peterson and Sydney Vander Pol, are both Criminal Justice majors at Dordt University, and Sophie Dwelle, is a Criminology student at South Dakota State University.
Over the course of the summer, they had the chance to explore many different areas of the department, from patrol and investigations to special units and support services. Whether riding along with officers, attending an autopsy, or repelling with SWAT, each intern got a front-row seat to a career as a SFPD officer.
We would like to thank Jeremiah, Sophie, and Sydney for spending their summer with us, and we wish them all the best as they head into their senior year of college!
UNITED WAY DONATION INFO
Open enrollment for United Way donations via ESS is OPEN until October 17th. This is a way to donate to the United Way and have the donation automatically deducted from your check! (The link to the United Way website for direct donations can be found on ESS)
You can also donate via cash, check, or credit card (directly on SEUW website). If you choose this method, your donation should be recorded on one of the physical pledge cards in the breakroom adjacent to the mail slots.
Records Technician Shirrel Moore retired after 21 years of service.
VCU AWARDS
Officer Ben Fiegen has been selected as the next Narcotics detective.
In September, Chief Jon Thum presented the following awards to members of the SFPD Violent Crimes Unit for their actions during two recent officer involved shooting incidents:
Det. Dirk Anker—Medal of Valor and Blue Star
Det. Nelson Leacraft—Medal of Valor
Det. Christian O’Brien—Medal of Valor
Det. Brian Mayberry—Medal of Valor (2)
Lt. Nick Butler
FOLDS OF HONOR–FACT SHEET
• FOH National began back in 2007 with Lt Col Dan Rooney, in Owassa, OK
• Our sole focus and mission is to provide educational scholarships to fallen and/or wounded Service Members Families and First Responder Families (Husbands, Wives, Children).
• Since 2007 Folds of Honor National has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships, 45% of those going to minority families.
• In Sept of 2022 we added First Responders to the list of eligible recipients
› EMT’s, Firefighters and Policemen
• Our Largest Corporate Sponsor is Anheuser-Busch who have donated over $27,000,000 over the last 16 years!
How is Folds of Honor South Dakota doing?
• SD Chapter began on 12/20/20
• Since our inception we have raised and donated over $400,000 to the National Chapter…
› $60,000 prior to inception through Hy-Vee/Sanford Legends Event.
› Since 2020, we’ve given out over $720,000 in scholarships to families in SD
› All funds raised in SD go to the families in SD first and foremost!
• Our main events:
a. Chase the Ace Promotion – Sioux Falls (The Barrel House), Brookings (Pints & Quarts)
b. Patriot Golf Tournament – Sioux Falls – May 12, 2025
c. Legacy Golf Tournament – Rapid City – September 22, 2025
Scholarships Awarded in SD:
Types of Scholarships:
• Children’s Scholarships – K-12th Grade
• Under-Graduate – Higher Education
• Post-Graduate – Masters, Doctorate
Folds of Honor Links:
• National Chapter: foldsofhonor.org
• South Dakota Chapter: southdakota.foldsofhonor.org
• Scholarship Application: foldsofhonor.org/scholarships
Folds of Honor provides life-changing academic scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Our mission ensures that their sacrifice is never forgotten and their legacy lives on through education.
Since 2020, Folds of Honor South Dakota has awarded over $700,000 in scholarships, helping local families of our nation's heroes access life-changing education.
Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or scholarship applicant, you are part of our mission. Follow Folds of Honor-SD on Facebook for events and updates. Learn more at southdakota.foldsofhonor.org.
44th Annual
South Dakota Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
Tom Homan
United States Border Czar Tom Homan will address the 44th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. Mr. Homan is a 34-year veteran of law enforcement, serving as a New York City Police Officer before his lengthy career in border enforcement.
In addition to Mr. Homan’s appearance at the annual dinner, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, South Dakota Chief Justice Steven Jensen, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken & Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum will also address the audience.
Presentation:
