For Kandi Gunia, who normally works as a restaurant manager, this is a big change.
“I manage a restaurant. I work with teenagers all day long. I love what I do there, you know they teach me so much. But when I come here this is completely different, it’s night and day,” said Gunia who is a Commander in the Reserve unit.
Cory John works in software sales for a robotics company.
“Everybody is here for a common goal. We’re here to work in the community, help out the community any way we can and bring a positive light to law enforcement,” said John.
The reserves are unpaid volunteers who answer lower level calls which frees up licensed deputies to focus on more important duties.
“Anything from having somebody who’s stranded on the side of the road to be able to help them out,” said John. “We’ve helped with flat tires, helping people who’ve locked their keys in the car. We’ve done all different things that help give back to the community.”
In the summer they are on the water keeping an eye out for any problems on area lakes. They can be called out in case of major emergencies when more help is needed. The department is approved for up to 40 special deputies, so they’re looking for more.
“They do a lot of the kind of grunt work that’s behind the scenes, the non flashy work that is necessary for us to succeed out here,” said Sergeant Michael Slavik who supervises the volunteers.
The reserves wear nearly the safe uniform as licensed deputies. They are not armed, but are trained in self defense. Law enforcement experience is not required.
“We have very few that actually have law enforcement experience or that have a desire to move into law enforcement as a career,” said Slavik. “Some have been through the skills portion and are trying to get some more experience to figure out whether they want to join a law enforcement team in a licensed capacity. But most of the people we have, just have a very strong desire to serve their community.”
That’s why Commander Gunia started 15 years ago. She was interested in law enforcement even though she now does something else for a living.
“I went to school for law enforcement. This gives me that ability to still be able to be part of the law enforcement community,” Gunia said.
You may see them patrolling anywhere in Anoka County as well as helping at special events like the Anoka County Fair and parades.
“In today’s day and age, with peoples’ perspectives of police officers, I wanted to bring a bright light to, and [be]a positive role model when it comes to law enforcement,” said John.
Reservists have been anywhere from 18 to 72 years old.
“Whether you have an interest in law enforcement, whether you have an interest in giving back to you community, this is a great way to volunteer,” said Guina.
An interview process and a thorough background check are required. You can find an application online at the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office website: https://www.anokacounty.us/3896/Reserve-Unit
