MN Asian Peace Officers Association

08/14/2026

Last week, multiple members of MNAPOA attended the National Asian Peace Officers’ Association (NAPOA)’s 4-day Annual Training Symposium and Exposition in Los Angeles, CA.

It was a diverse Asian background from across the United States coming together for one purpose – to be and do better as a law enforcement/peace officer. During this conference we had the privilege of receiving words of encouragement from FBI Director Kash Petel, Actor Rich Ting (Movie: Lone Survivor) and Actress Tamlyn Tomita (Movie: The Karate Kid Part II).

The conference was packed with critical and essential subject matters. To name a few:
- 5 Years Before You Retire
- Beyond the Badge: Officer Wellness
- Building Wealth without Burnout
- Crisis Management
- Crypto Currency: Threat and Investigations
- Debrief of 1992 LA Riots
- Debrief of Trader Joe’s Hostage Rescue
- Leadership Panel
- Managing Internal Conflict in Law Enforcement
- Modernizing Leadership Culture in Policing
- Policing in Asian Communities
- Promotional Interview Preparation
- Terrorist Mobilization
- Use of Force
- LAPD: Less Lethal Expo
- AXON: Virtual and Live Demonstrations

Attending members would like to express their sincere appreciation to their respected agencies for giving them an opportunity to enhance and enrich their law enforcement careers. There was an abundance of impactful and invaluable insights and authentic experiences shared by others. Members not only reconnected with longstanding colleagues but also forged new friendships that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. As we continue to grow, we are grateful for the support and collaboration fostered during this event, which truly exemplifies MNAPOA’s mission and goals. With that thank you:
Metro Transit Police Department
New Brighton Department of Public Safety
Saint Paul Police Department
University of Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Lastly and most importantly thank you NAPOA for a memorable conference that left us pushing ourselves to excel. Also, a special thank you to Chief Jim McDonnell of LAPD Headquarters and Sheriff Robert Luna of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for the warm welcome and hospitality.

08/10/2026

They’re back at it again… Deputy E. Klay and T. Yang spent the last five weeks in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office’s academy - pushing their mental and physical limits. Today is their first day, and we wish them well on their assignments. Make us proud!

08/09/2026

Anyone looking at a career in law enforcement? Metro Transit Police Department is hiring Community Service Officers! This is a great way and step in becoming a police officer!

Interested in a career in law enforcement? We are hiring Community Service Officers! Gain valuable experience and tuition reimbursement as you work towards your career as a peace officer and serve your community. Learn more at the link.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metrocouncil/jobs/5299519/community-service-officer

08/06/2026

This was an awesome and inclusive opportunity MN DNR Enforcement have created for outdoors women. Thank you MN DNR, especially CO T. Vang and the team, for putting all of it together and more!

THERE’S MORE! To find additional information, click this link -> https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/bow/index.html

Whether it’s during a talk at a fi****ms safety class, a discussion at a school, or a routine check in the field or on the water, conservation officers are always working to help people become more knowledgeable about the outdoors and safer as they enjoy their pursuits.

This past weekend, CO Tou Vang, our Hmong liaison and outreach officer, spent some time at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro during the Hmong Women Hunting Safety and Outdoor Skills weekend.

CO Vang, May Vang (the Hmong outreach coordinator in the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division), Colleen Foehrenbacher (the learning center’s executive director), and others taught attendees many aspects of the outdoors, from safe fi****ms handling to tree stand safety to navigation skills and building a campfire. All attendees also earned their fi****ms safety certification.

07/28/2026

Officer Chau served the community of Roseville, and the State of Minnesota with dedication for over three decades! Thank you, sir, for your unwavering commitment to public safety and for keeping our community safe! You’ve truly earned your retirement—enjoy it!

Thank you to the Roseville Police Department - Minnesota for sharing Officer Chau and all of your officers with our community as it is a blessing.

07/22/2026

When Officer M. Foster was MNAPOA’s Executive Board member, she contributed the same energy and leadership — taking initiative, sharing critical feedback, and ensuring a successful outcome.

Congratulations on this achievement and so glad for this opportunity of inspiration!

We are proud to recognize Officer Mackenzie Foster as our Employee of the Quarter for her exceptional leadership, initiative, and unwavering dedication to both our department and our community.

Throughout the first half of 2026, Officer Foster has demonstrated outstanding performance across every aspect of her work. As a Use of Force Instructor, she leads instruction for department personnel and the New Hire Academy, while also co-founding a monthly regional Women’s Use of Force training program alongside a Woodbury officer to expand skill-building opportunities across surrounding agencies.

Her impact extends deep into crisis response as an indispensable member of our Crisis Management Unit and Crisis Support Team, where she manages critical caseloads, responds to call-outs, and collaborates with regional partners to integrate best practices into our local operations. On top of her primary duties as a daytime traffic safety officer, Officer Foster routinely receives praise directly from residents through phone calls and community surveys highlighting her professionalism, compassion, and positive attitude.

Officer Foster’s strong work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond make her an exemplary representative of our department. Please join us in thanking Officer Foster for her outstanding service and congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition!

07/20/2026

If you attended the Ramsey County Fair this past weekend, our Vice President Vang was there helping ensure the safety of everyone. A big thank you to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office for hosting such a fantastic and interactive event! Families and friends from all over came together to enjoy the fair.

07/13/2026

Thank you Officer Vang for your great work! BTW Officer Vang is Metro Transit Police Department Officer of the year!! He continues to do great things! Thank you Officer Vang for being awesome!

MTPD doesn't just serve the public, we serve our fellow Metro Transit employees as well. Nicollet Garage Transportation Manager Chang Yang recently shared some praise for MTPD Officer Vang.

"I just wanted to pass along an observation, commendation, and big thanks to Officer Vang for his efforts and presence at Nicollet Garage. He has a wonderful inviting, approachable personality and it is wonderful to see him and his interns set up and interact with the operators. He is a great asset to the police department and to Metro Transit."

07/04/2026

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE!

Did you know? The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed until August 2, 1776. Today became the official independence because the final draft was completed.

MNAPOA hope everyone have a safe and fun day celebrating with friends and family!

Please be responsible with fireworks and most importantly, drinking and DO NOT DRIVE!

06/10/2026

The Minnesota Asian Peace Officers Association expresses our heartfelt condolences to the Minnesota State Patrol, and to the family and friends of Lt. Tyler Uthe. His dedication and service to public safety and law enforcement were truly honorable, and this loss is deeply felt. May his memories continue to be a blessing, and may his loved ones find strength and peace during this difficult time.

Today, as family, friends, and fellow first responders bid their final farewell to Lt. Tyler Uthe, please pause and observe a moment of silence in his honor.

Rest well.