New Police Officer to be Deployed with 34th Infantry Division ‘Red Bulls’ for a Year

Few people are willing to take the oath to protect and serve their community, state and nation. But for Officer Jared Simmer, this commitment to service is a way of life and an exciting opportunity.

Simmer was sworn in with the Edina Police Department on Nov. 7, following two years of work as a Community Service Officer (CSO). A student of the law, Simmer graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato, earning his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Now a Patrol Officer in training, Simmer spends long shifts detecting and deterring illegal activities across the city to ensure the safety of Edina residents.

“There are a lot of reasons why I wanted to be a cop: the variety of work, this is a great city and the people I get to work with,” Simmer said.

Becoming a police officer is something Simmer always hoped to achieve, but he wanted to push himself even further through a career of military service. Simmer has been a soldier in the Minnesota National Guard for over five years, most recently assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (ECAB), which provides aviation capabilities by means of both UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Simmer is one of more than 500 soldiers being deployed to the Middle East region this winter, primarily focusing on strengthening ties in countries like Kuwait and Jordan.

“I thought joining the National Guard would be something interesting and exciting. I wanted the extra responsibility and to meet cool people along the way,” Simmer said when asked what motivated him to join. Simmer and his unit will be deploying with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls” for a year and will rejoin the ECAB in early 2025.

“Jared has always had a great positive attitude. He shows up to work with a smile on his face and has been eager to learn the job throughout his training. It has been nice to watch Jared’s growth and progression from being a CSO to Police Officer. In his time with the City, he has made great relationships with his co-workers,” said Police Sgt. Jesse Penman. “He will be missed by the department while on deployment.”

Though he was just sworn in as a Police Officer a few months ago, Simmer is happy to serve his country with the National Guard. As Simmer puts it, “you can do whatever you want with your life. Why not live an exciting one?”

A gathering for Simmer’s sendoff will be held Friday, Jan. 26, in the lower level of the Edina Police Department. All employees are invited to attend.