City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Jeff Schroepfer, Chief of Police
Title
Oath of Office Ceremony for Northfield Police Department Officer Joshua Ortiz.
Body
Action Requested:
City Clerk, Lynette Peterson, will administer the Oath or Affirmation of Office to Police Officer Joshua Ortiz.
Summary Report:
Officer Joshua Ortiz was hired in the last several months to fill a vacancy for the position of Police Officer. We will be ceremoniously administering the Oath of Office to him as he assumes his new role in the Police Department. This ceremony will be done in person in front of the City Council.
Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer will introduce Officer Ortiz and City Clerk Lynette Peterson will administer the Oath of Office. Following the oath, Officer Ortiz’s family will pin on his badge. Councilors will then take a photo with the officer and are encouraged to congratulate the Officer on their new role. Members of the Police Department and friends and family of the new officer are expected to be in attendance and will leave the Council Chambers immediately following this agenda item.
Officer Joshua Ortiz was born in Southern California and moved to Minnesota in 2020. He earned his associate's degree in law enforcement, Aviation Science and completed his law enforcement skills training through Rasmussen University. He is currently working on finishing his bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Officer Ortiz serves in the United States Army National Guard, where he has held roles as an infantry team leader, squad leader, and in signals intelligence collection activities. His military experience has provided him with leadership experience and a strong foundation in teamwork and service. He is currently working toward commissioning as a military officer.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys flying as a pilot, working out, spending time outdoors, and continually learning new skills. He and his wife share a passion for aviation and are looking forward to welcoming their first child in early April.
Officer Ortiz is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Northfield community.
Officer Ortiz is completing field training, where he was assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO). The FTO works with the new officer on every shift and instructs them on learning their job as a police officer. During the field training process new officers are evaluated daily through observation and written reports of their performance by the FTO. Officers are generally in field training for their first many months on the job.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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