Lake Norden Police Department Welcomes Reserve Officer Matt Baer

Northeast Radio SD News – Lake Norden, SD - The Lake Norden Police Department has officially added a new member to its ranks, welcoming Reserve Officer Matt Baer following his swearing‑in at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Baer brings more than nine years of law enforcement experience and has chosen to volunteer his time in service to the Lake Norden community. After taking the oath of office, he joined the department as the first officer in its newly established Police Reserve Program.

Police leadership says the program has been months in the making. In April, the department received approval from the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Commission to formally launch the reserve initiative. The process required extensive planning, paperwork, and regulatory steps before the program could begin.

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According to the department, the Reserve Officer Program represents an important expansion of local public‑safety capacity. As it grows, the program is expected to strengthen community service, enhance security, and support the department during events, emergencies, and day‑to‑day operations.

Chief leadership noted that Baer’s background, professionalism, and commitment to service will play a key role in shaping the program’s early development.