Kelly Kenoyer
There’s a new cop in town, and he’s come hundreds of miles to join Sweet Home’s police department.
Steve Carlson is 37, and got into law enforcement after his grandfather died.
“He was my biggest role model growing up: seeing him come home in the uniform and the shiny boots and the badge,” Carlson said. “I just remember telling them when I grow up, I’m going to be a police officer.”
Carlson ended up working in management at a casino for nearly two decades, but it was always “just a job.”
But his grandfather, on his deathbed, told Carlson “It’s still OK to chase your dreams, it’s not too late.”
Carlson took it to heart and decided to chase his dreams by moving to Oregon and becoming a police officer. He said he was drawn to the state from his native Minnesota, which he said is similar other than having a more severe climate.
“I’ve always had dreams and visions of being on the coast, a coastal state. Never knew it would be Oregon,” he said.
But the state has a lot in common with his home turf.
“If I’m not looking at mountains or ocean, it feels very similar to Minnesota.”
Carlson’s Minnesota background comes through clear in his accent and his friendliness. He was initially hired as an officer in North Bend, but they let him go due to budget cuts. After getting four offers from other departments, he chose Sweet Home because he likes its interest in “community policing.”
“They do events for children and awareness weeks, and a lot of all that. They keep the community involved,” he said.
On a ride-along, he saw numerous citizens wave to the police car.
“A little wave goes a long way.”
Carlson said his personality is a good fit for a department that engages with the community that way.
“I show empathy for people,” he said. “It just comes natural to me.”
Right now, Carlson is at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.
His family is still back in Minnesota, he said: his wife, his 4-year-old daughter Savannah, and his 18-year-old son Austin. He plans to rent an apartment in Lebanon for his family once he finishes up at the academy in November, with hopes of finding a place in Sweet Home soon after.
“I’m not from Sweet Home, and just getting used to the culture and all that. And obviously, you have to learn Oregon law versus Minnesota law,” he said.
Carlson said he’s a big fan of sports, and used to coach hockey in Minnesota.
He said he’d like to coach in Sweet Home, though it’s tough to do on a police officer’s schedule. He’s also excited to start camping in the Pacific Northwest, especially since the camping season is much longer here.
As a foodie, he’s been checking out the local restaurants, and Chief Jeff Lynn treated him to a meal at The Point after he started. He’s particularly excited about the food carts spread across Oregon.
“I went up to Beaverton, and there’s this huge lot of food trucks,” he said exuberantly. “I’m in heaven. I have pictures on my phone. I’m sending them to my wife like, ‘look at the food trucks!'”
Carlson will finish his training at the academy on Nov. 19, and from there will start training with SHPD directly.
Although he’s a newcomer in town, Carlson doesn’t plan to jump ship anytime soon.
“I’m dedicated to my employer. I’m not one that likes to jump around, and the older I get the less I want to do that. I just want to find a place to settle down and raise my family,” he said.