Owatonna Police Announce Officer Promotion, Honors

The Owatonna Police Department is featuring several of its officers in the Just the Facts newsletter for a variety of accomplishments and recognition factors. Detective Benjamin Johnson promoted to the rank of sergeant in early December. Sergeant Andy DeVinny reached his 25th anniversary. Captain Jeff Mundale finished a professional development program with the FBI National Academy.

Johnson marked his ninth anniversary with the department December 5 with a promotion to sergeant. Just the Facts reports, "During his tenure with the OPD, Ben has been a patrol officer, field training officer, crime scene technician and firearm instructor. Ben was assigned to investigations in January of 2019 and has remained in that capacity since."

Johnson was named the OPD Officer of the Year in 2018 by the Moonlighter's Exchange Club.

Mundale capped "an 11-week professional development outing to the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Jeff was nominated and selected as one of the 135 class members for this NA session." Classes focus on "a wide range of leadership and specialized training." He is the second OPD officer to receive this training, joining retired Captain Joseph Schramm who participated in 2004.

Mundale has been on the OPD since 1995, "and has served in many leadership roles in the department. Jeff was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2010 and currently serves as the Patrol Commander of Patrol Division," according to Just the Facts.

DeVinny reached his 25th anniversary and received a ring to mark the occasion. Just the Facts states, "Some time ago, Jostens started a unique relationship with the department by honoring those police officers who have served with the Owatonna Police Department for 25 years with an anniversary ring."

Sixteen officers have been recognized during the program, "Earlier this year, Captains Eric Rethemeier (28+ years) and Jeff Mundale (26+ years) received a ring."

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