Advertisement
Join us Monday, June 21st to meet the finalists to be the new chief of the Sioux Falls Police Department. Lt. Nick Cook and Lt. Jonathan Thum will join us for a conversation moderated by Rotarian Vaney Hariri. More about the backgrounds of each candidate is below.Please use this link: https://forms.gle/7TjSGEhAT8PEQ7ZJ9 to reserve your buffet lunch that will be available beginning at 11:30 am.
All programs are recorded and streamed live on Facebook & YouTube. In-person event is only open to Rotarians and their guests. Local media are invited to attend to record the session. We will continue to stream our meetings live so you can watch them from your home or office.
If you do not feel well, or have been exposed to Covid, we ask that you stay home and join us online.
Rotary International is one of the premier service organizations in the world. The Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls is among the largest 40 clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.
Candidate Bios
Lt. Nick Cook began his career with the Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) in January 2003 after working three years for Metro Communications. During his 18 years working for the SFPD, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Minnehaha County Warrant Task Force member, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Sergeant, Mobile Field Force Commander and Lieutenant. Lt. Cook is a community-minded civil servant who has built trustworthy rapport among many resident groups, neighborhoods and businesses across Sioux Falls. In his prior role as Patrol Sergeant, he worked to prioritize resident needs and address problem areas within the community, specifically within the downtown area, and deployed bike and foot patrol units to increase community presence and involvement.
Lt. Cook earned a Unit Citation for his leadership in the department's civil disturbance response in 2020. He also was awarded the Chief’s Level Commendation in 2018, was named the Sioux Falls Police Department Supervisor of the Year in 2017, and received the Morning Optimist Club Officer of the Year honor in 2009. Lt. Cook is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He was raised in Sioux Falls and resides there with his wife and two daughters.
Lt. Jonathan Thum started his career with the Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) as a Patrol Officer in 2005. In his sixteen-year SFPD career he has worked as a Field Training Officer, Department Training Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and SWAT commander, providing him with a high-level strategic perspective and expertise in the facets of law enforcement and community relations.
Lt. Thum helped lead the department’s response to the civil unrest during summer 2020 and also has represented SFPD in many community forums designed to engage residents in constructive dialogue. In his prior role as Patrol Sergeant he established relationships with neighborhood associations and community groups that formed the foundation for SFPD’s community outreach. He was awarded the Chief Clark Quiring Award for Excellence in 2020, VFW Officer of the Year recognition in 2017 and Shift Commendation Medal in 2016. Lt. Thum also earned a Unit Citation in 2020 for his leadership in the department's civil disturbance response. Lt. Thum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls, where he also serves as an adjunct instructor. Lt. Thum was raised in Sioux Falls and resides there with his wife and three children.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre, 100 West 8th St, Sioux Falls, United States