​Rediscovering purpose: Finding fulfillment at DPS by serving the community

​Leaving the military after dedicating years of service can be a daunting transition. For many, it's not just a career change but a shift in identity and purpose. DPS recruiter Jonathan Stacke​​​ can attest to this firsthand. After bidding farewell to the structured life of the military, he found himself grappling with a profound sense of loss — a loss of the camaraderie, the mission-driven ethos and the deep satisfaction that comes from serving something greater than oneself.

Jonathan​ found solace in an unexpected place — the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). In our latest​ blog, Jonathan shares how he found a new sense of purpose and belonging at DPS.

​What's a CERT & why should my community have one?

​From wildfires to train derailments, emergencies can strike at any tim​​e and the initial response can be overwhelming for first responders.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs help bridge the gap between when an emergency happens and when first responders can assist. These volunteers learn how to protect themselves, their loved ones, their neighbors and the community by assisting before, during and after an emergency occurs.

To better understand why a community should have a CERT and how to reach volunteers, Denise Wright, emergency manager for Waseca County, answers a series of questions in our DPS blog to provide her perspective.