BPD hires two new police officers

BEMIDJI – Officers Dane Donnell and Mark Pinoniemi were recently hired to join the Bemidji Police Department.

Donnell fills the position vacated by Eric Rypkema’s resignation. Donnell was sworn in Dec. 5 at Bemidji City Hall.
Pinoniemi fills the position created by DJ Regas’ resignation. Pinoniemi was sworn in Dec. 12.
The new officers will undergo a 14-week field training program. The program is designed to teach new officers the geography of the city, policy and procedures specific to Bemidji and related technology. It also provides an opportunity to immerse them into the law enforcement career in a more controlled environment while providing a method for evaluation.