RHS grad is Rosemount’s newest cop

• Danielle Geske

Danielle Geske

Talk about it

More than 200 people applied for Rosemount police officer position left vacant by the retirement of Jim O’Leary in February. Fresh out of college, Danielle Geske stood out from the crowd and was hired for the coveted position.

So with Geske’s parents, sister, grandparents and godmother looking on mayor Bill Droste swore the 22-year-old in during the Sept. 15 city council meeting.

Rosemount police chief Gary Kalstabakken said Geske’s good character and high integrity made the Rosemount native stand out from the rest of the field. And while she may not have a lot experience, Kalstabakken said they’ll teach her what she needs to know.

“She distinguished herself to the point where she’s here and the others aren’t,” Kalstabakken told the council.

Geske started with the department Sept. 2. For the next few months she will accompany veteran officers in the field and get a feel for how things are done. After her training she will become a daytime patrol officer.

Excited to be working in her hometown, Geske said she’s looking forward to get out and meet new people. While she definitely has some ties in the community, Geske said she knows she’ll meet new people through her work in the community.

“I really, really love this community and the people and I’m excited for the face to face interaction with them,” said Geske.

Geske graduated from Rosemount High School in 2005. During high school Geske played volleyball and softball. She went on to St. Mary’s University in Winona where she continued to play softball.

Geske graduated from St. Mary’s in May with degrees in criminal justice and sociology.

When she started college, Geske wanted to become a lawyer. But after taking a few criminal justice classes she changed her mind.

“I thought I could help people more this way,” said Geske.

While nervous, Geske said she feels good about the decision she made. Geske said while she’s received some heat for being the new gal the other officers have made her feel at home.

“It’s good to know that someone has always got your back,” she said.

As for working in her hometown, she knows there will be times when she has to crack down on people she knows. Even her mother isn’t exempt from a ticket if it’s deserved.

“We’ve joked about it,” said Geske.

Geske is the daughter of Lowell and Diane Geske. Her parents are nervous for her, but they are still excited that she’s pursuing a career that will make her happy.

Though she’s barely started her career, Geske has goals. She like to eventually get her masters and possibly another degree in Spanish. She also said she’d like to work with the DARE program someday or as the school liaison officer.

For now though she’s just getting comfortable in her new role and 20-pound belt.

Tags: local news, police officer, news