City hires new deputy chief of police
Posted 1/29/03

The Milaca Police Department has a new deputy chief, Kimberly Wood, and sheís no stranger to law enforcement.

Wood has been working with the Cass Lake Police Department for the past two years, but has roughly 20 years of experience in law-enforcement related fields.

She was a police dispatcher for over seven years, a correctional officer, a jailer and served in the Army reserves at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. working in the disciplinary barracks.

Part of her passion for law enforcement stems from her father, Frank Wood, who was the commissioner of corrections for the State of Minnesota for 38 years.

"Iím really proud of him," Wood said of her father.

Her fiance, Chuck, is also in law enforcement in the drug task force sector.

Originally from St. Paul, Wood graduated from Inver Hills Community College in 1994. She graduated with honors, receiving her associateís degree in applied science for law enforcement.

A single mom with two children, Russell, 17, and Jimmy, 10, Wood says she is excited about moving closer to her family (her parents still live in St. Paul). Sheís also looking forward to establishing a long-term residency in Milaca.

"Iím really excited about it," Wood said of her new position. "I really like the area a lot. Iím looking forward to meeting and working with the community."

This is one of the first times sheís gone to work for a law enforcement department where she hasnít been the first female on the job.

Milacaís other female officer is Shelly Milton, who is also a liaison officer at Milaca Public Schools.

But, itís never bothered Wood to be the first, and typically only, female officer.

"Once they see you can do your job and youíre capable," Wood says, "itís not a problem."

Wood is currently working nights for the City of Milaca and is also working on moving her family to the area.

"She did a very nice job on her interview. We were impressed with her background and good reviews," said police chief Mike Mott.

"It was evident that she has an excellent work ethic and weíre glad to have her aboard."

Woodís first day on the job was Wednesday, Jan. 22 and she said, "I hope the people will approach me with any problems or concerns they have."