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AGENDA ITEM <br />Date: February 23, 2026 <br />Title: Hire Police Officer <br />Presenter: Correy Farniok, Police Chief <br />Section: Consent Agenda <br />Purpose: <br />The purpose of this action item is to gain approval to hire a full-time Police Officer. <br />2. Recruitment: <br />Item: 7 <br />The selection process for the position involved advertising the position, application screening, and <br />interviews. First round interviews are completed by a panel of currently serving officers and <br />second round interviews by the Chief of Police. Police Officer applicant must also successfully <br />complete a thorough Background Investigation, a Psychological Exam, a Physical (Pre- <br />employment medical) exam and must pass the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) <br />licensing exam. <br />3. Recommended Candidate: <br />Wesley Whitfield is currently employed by Spero Academy as a Paraprofessional, assisting with <br />education and behavior of sixth graders with autism. Wesley also has prior work experience as a <br />Security Guard and prior experience as a police officer with Brooklyn Park Police Department. <br />Wesley has an AAS Degree from Rasmussen University in Law Enforcement. Wesley is excited <br />about the opportunity to work with the Orono Police Department. <br />4. Recommended Compensation: <br />Staff recommend hiring Wesley Whitfield as a full-time police officer with the effective start date <br />on/after March 2, 2026. <br />• Salary. Starting rate of $39.38 per hour (Start Step of the LELS Local 40 Agreement pay <br />scale). <br />• Benefits. Vacation will accrue at a rate of 80 hours (10 days) per year and follow the LELS <br />Local 40 Agreement. Vacation and sick leave will begin on the start date. The employee will <br />be eligible to participate in the City's benefit package starting the first day of the month <br />following 30 days of employment. As a full-time employee, the position is eligible for <br />benefits as outlined in the LELS Local 40 Agreement and personnel handbook. This <br />includes enrollment in the Police and Fire Plan of the Public Employee Retirement <br />Association (PERA). <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Motion to approve the hiring of Wesley Whitfield as a full-time Police Officer at the rate of $39.38 per <br />hour with a start date on/after March 2, 2026. <br />33 <br />