RIVER FALLS – River Falls City Council members and Police Chief Gordon Young recognized Derek Hokkanen as the 2022 River Falls Police Officer of the Year at the March 14 meeting.

Hokkanen was lauded for his professionalism and personification of the department’s mission statement to protect with courage, service and compassion.

Hokkanen worked as an automotive repair technician for more than 20 years and owned his own repair shop. He decided to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer by attending the Law Enforcement Academy. He began his new career in April 2019 in River Falls.

“He quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers and supervisors through his diligent work and calm demeanor,” the statement read.

Another officer described his reports as detailed, accurate and extremely well thought-out. His work has resulted in two federal cases: One of which is pending and the other of which resulted in a guilty plea. He has been selected as a field training officer and a taser instructor.

He enjoys spending his spare time with his two children hunting, fishing and working on automobiles.

Other business

• The council approved the first reading of the updated Comprehensive Plan, which will replace the 2005 plan. The final vote will take place March 28.
• The council voted to refer a zoning application from Joseph Block and Adam Tripp to the Extraterritorial Zoning Committee. The application concerns 15 acres south of 965^th Street in the ETZ. It’s currently zoned A-1 Exclusive Agriculture; the owner would like it rezoned to A Agriculture District.
• The council voted to refer an annexation petition to the Plan Commission for a two parcels located at 99 and 101 Highway 35 in the town of Troy. The parcels total 4.07 acres. New Life Worship Center intends to renovate two buildings on the western parcel for church and youth center purposes. The house on the eastern parcel would be turned into administration officers and may house traveling ministry in the future. Other future uses may include building a larger church sanctuary and family life center.
• Alderperson Jeff Bjork reminded the public to keep an eye out for details on Glen Park’s 125^th anniversary celebration this summer.