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Sgt. Julie Asmus |
In her 25 years at the Willmar, Minn., Police Department, Julie Asmus has combined exemplary community service with outstanding police work. She’s earned several awards, along with the respect of her co-workers and members of her community. This year, her efforts also have earned her the title of The American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
A sergeant in the Willmar Police Department, Asmus has served as a patrol officer and investigator. Previous honors include Minnesota Juvenile Officer of the Year, the lieutenant governor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Minnesota Association of Women Police’s 2001 Officer of the Year Award. As a detective in the investigation unit working primarily child-abuse cases, Asmus saw the need for an appropriate, child-friendly place to interview children and make them feel comfortable. She assisted in writing a grant for such a room and then designed, purchased and oversaw construction.
Asmus has also served as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education coordinator and teacher in the Willmar School District for the past 15 years.
“Julie is committed to the young people in our state,” wrote Minnesota D.A.R.E. Inc. Executive Director Kathi Ackerman in a letter nominating Asmus for the award. “She serves as a voice of authority and heart of compassion. She believes in what she does and her actions demonstrate that belief. The young people of Willmar are very lucky to have her.”
Willmar Chief of Police James A. Kulset also wrote a letter praising Asmus.
“Sgt. Asmus has earned the respect and trust of the community and the members of the Willmar Police Department,” he wrote. “Her actions on duty define professionalism; her actions off duty set the standard for what community involvement should be for public servants. ... Her attitude is such that she does not tell management why we cannot do something, but instead works to figure out how it can be accomplished.”
Outside of her police work, Asmus has been actively involved with the United Way, Girls Scouts, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and mentoring programs through Business and Professional Women.
She’s both an American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary member of Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post 167 in Willmar and served in the Army National Guard from 1978 to 1985.
In 1999, Asmus was appointed to the Mayor’s Aquatic Center Task Force, which gathered data for a proposed tax referendum for an aquatic facility in Willmar. When the referendum didn’t pass, Asmus eventually built a swimming pool in her own backyard and every summer hosts pool parties for the Kandiyohi County Girls Group Home.
“Never short of energy and enthusiasm, Sgt. Asmus is quick to volunteer for a variety of community projects while at the same time, passionately and professionally performing traditional police duties,” Willmar City Administrator Michael Schmit wrote. “(She) is truly an asset to our police department and community She is most deserving of (the award). I have had numerous occasions over the years to already consider her in that light.”
Asmus will be honored at the 89th American Legion National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 24-30 in Reno, Nev.
