Area public safety
FOREST LAKE
The Forest Lake Police Department provides 24-hour services to the residents living throughout the city ’ s 36 square miles . The police department is located in the Forest Lake City Center complex , and Chief Rick Peterson serves as the director of public safety / police chief .
Throughout the year , Community Engagement Coordinator Julie Griffin and several patrol officers facilitate educational presentations , participate in community events and take a proactive approach to crime-prevention measures throughout the city . The community-relations position focuses on strengthening the partnership between the police department and the school district , as well as the business and residential communities .
Officers participate each year in the following events and programs : police department tours , Night to Unite , Forest Lake Safety Camp , Neighborhood Watch , a drug-awareness program , Shop with a Cop , and Arts in the Park .
The Forest Lake Police Department looks forward to expanding the community-policing efforts and educating the public on crime prevention . Learn more about the department and what it offers citizens at its website at flpd . com or on Facebook at facebook . com / forestlakepolicedept .
Police Department hours are 8 a . m . to 4:30 p . m . Monday through Friday . The phone numbers are 651-464- 5877 during business hours and 651-439-9381 after hours . Dial 911 for emergencies . The Forest Lake Fire Department receives more than 500 calls for service annually and responds out of two fire stations . Station 1 is located in the Forest Lake City Center at 1408 Lake Street South , and Station 2 is located next to Columbus City Hall at 16319 Kettle River Blvd . These two communities fund the department under a joint-powers agreement and share ownership of all its firefighting equipment .
FLFD ’ s staff is headed by Chief Al Newman and paidon-call firefighters . In addition to fire response , firefighters attend weekly training and meetings in order to be ready for any emergency . Once hired by the FLFD , all members must complete basic firefighter training , medical first-responder courses , and hazardous-materials education .
WYOMING
Wyoming Public Safety Director Neil Bauer takes responsibility for organizing 24-hour fire and police services for the city , with a focus on preservation of life , protection of property and service to the community . Citizens offer help to the paid departments by volunteering for the police reserves or fire-cadet program .
The Wyoming Police Department , a roughly 10-person unit , emphasizes crime prevention through early intervention , community partnerships and such programs as PEAK ( Police Education Area Kids ) and Night to Unit . The activities all seek to prevent crime and enhance the quality of life in Wyoming .
Both the Fire and Police Department members make presentations at churches , schools and community events throughout the year .
The Fire Department consists of Public Safety Director Neil Bauer , Fire Chief Jesse Milligan and roughly 30 firefighters , who all focus on fire prevention and suppression . They are an all-hazards response department , responding to active fires , rescue situations , vehicle crashes , medical emergencies , and HAZMAT situations . The firefighters work closely with the police officers and EMS personnel to provide robust emergency services .
Potential firefighters must be 18 years old and capable of responding to the fire hall within eight minutes ; they must have a high school diploma or GED and be in good enough physical condition to perform the required duties . Those interested are encouraged to call the Wyoming Public Safety Department .
Forest Lake Fire Department
COLUMBUS
Police protection in Columbus is provided through a contract with the Anoka County Sheriff ’ s Office . Fire protection is provided through a joint-powers agreement with the Forest Lake Fire Department , with Substation 2 adjacent to Columbus City Hall .
SCANDIA
The city of Scandia has a contract with the Washington County Sheriff Department . To receive area emergency notifications , Scandia residents can sign up for the county ’ s CodeRED system online at cityofscandia . com / city _ services on the “ police services ” section . Scandia has its own fire department , which includes Fire Chief Mike Hinz , two assistant chiefs , three captains , one engineer and more than 20 firefighters on call . The department responds to medical and fire emergencies in Scandia , part of May Township and neighboring cities as mutual aid support .
LINWOOD
Police protection in Linwood is provided through a contract with the Anoka County Sheriff ’ s Office . Fire protection is provided by the township ’ s fire department , headed by Chief Darryl Ballman .
Page 32 Forest Lake Community Guide • February , 2025