Asleson promoted to major in Patrol

New Ulm native will be one of four majors in Patrol

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Sometimes in the road people travel on in life a fork suddenly appears and a decision must be made on which direction to take. Mankato District 2200 State Patrol Captain Mike Asleson recently made such a choice.

Asleson accepted a promotion to major, one of the four in the Minnesota State Patrol. He will be assigned to the Patrol's central office in downtown St. Paul.

Since April 1990, he has served as captain of the Mankato District.

Asleson was born and raised in New Ulm. His parents, Orie and Carol Asleson, still live here. He began his career in law enforcement while in high school by working as a civilian dispatcher for three years in New Ulm.

Asleson is anxious to start his new position, which he assumes on Sept. 13, with "nervous excitement."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, but there's some nervousness that goes along with that," said Asleson, "With only four majors in the State Patrol, this is a rare opportunity to me. Attaining the rank of major was never a goal; in fact, I am apprehensive about leaving the field where my heart is. Yet, this is a chance to serve, have a greater say in the organization, and help make it a better agency in the future."

Asleson will still get out in the field whenever possible when there is a special enforcement operation.

He and his family will relocate to the metro area.

"My family is supportive of the move," said Asleson, "They are looking forward to the change, yet a little apprehensive, too."

As a major, his duties involve of working with agency policies, planning, legislative work, information management, and dealing with statewide communications.

"I have really enjoyed my assignment at Mankato," said Asleson, "What I loved most during my assignment here has been the people I work with. This district is made up of exceptional, positive, and hardworking people. I also have enjoyed the superb relationship with the local law enforcement agencies in the district."

The State Patrol's main goal is to try to keep people from dying on the highways, Asleson said.

"Responsible citizens are tired of sharing the road with illegal and unsafe drivers and that's what we're responsible for -- to get them off the roads before they hurt or kill somebody," said Asleson, "There's a reward in trying to keep innocent drivers safe on the road; they're just trying to get from point A to point B safely."

During Asleson's career with the State Patrol, he worked as a trooper in Minneapolis and New Ulm. He has served as a supervisor in the Patrol's Detroit Lakes and Mankato districts. He also served as a member on the State Patrol Special Response Team.

Asleson has received numerous awards and special honors.

He received the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award while attending Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command in Chicago, Ill. He was also selected as section leader during the 188th Session of the FBI National Academy.

Asleson currently serves as a member on the Minnesota Criminal Justice System's DWI Task Force through the University of Minnesota; member of the Department of Public Safety DWI Focus Group and member of the DWI Task Force in the Minnesota Legislature.

"He's a good boss and I hate to see him go," said Scott McConkey, a lieutenant with the Mankato District State Patrol, "He holds people to the highest expectations. his priority is with the trooper on the road. He'll continue to watch out for the interest of the road trooper."