Cambridge Police Department, Minnnesota

06/03/2026

Earlier this week, the Cambridge Police Department proudly celebrated the swearing-in of three new Sergeants: Tanner Peetz, Peter Erickson, and Samantha Vigstol.

Pictured from left to right are Sergeant Peter Erickson, Deputy Chief Tanner Hagen, Sergeant Tanner Peetz, Chief Shawn Machin, Sergeant Matt Giese, and Sergeant Samantha Vigstol.

These promotions represent more than individual achievements—they are an important step forward for our department. Through a recent organizational restructuring, we have strengthened our supervisory team and moved closer to our long-standing goal of having at least two officers on duty 24 hours a day. Once we reach full staffing, we will have a Sergeant and two Patrol Officers scheduled around the clock, improving both public safety and officer safety.

Each of these Sergeants brings valuable experience, leadership, and a commitment to helping other officers learn and grow. Together with Sergeant Giese, they make up a strong supervisory team dedicated to serving the residents, businesses, and visitors of Cambridge.

As Chief of Police, I couldn't be more proud of this group and of our department as a whole. Watching these officers grow in their careers and step into leadership roles has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited about what the future holds for the Cambridge Police Department.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeants Peetz, Erickson, and Vigstol on this well-deserved achievement and wishing them success in their new roles.

04/23/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝟗𝟓

The City has received several calls this morning raising concerns of an exposed flame coming from the propane tanks near the railroad crossing at highway 95. Lakes Gas is in the process of burning off the propane in one of the storage tanks in this area in preparation for the highway 95 expansion project. The City of Cambridge and Cambridge Fire are aware of the flames. There is no threat to public safety, and traffic should proceed normally. This work should be completed by the end of the day today, April 23rd, 2026.

03/31/2026

We have recently been receiving calls from residents reporting bear sightings or signs of bear activity in our community.

This time of year, bears are typically moving through areas in search of food. The most effective way to discourage bears from sticking around is to eliminate any food sources. If bears cannot find food, they will continue moving on to another area.

Here are a few helpful reminders:
• Secure garbage in bear-resistant containers or keep it inside until pickup day
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active
• Clean grills and outdoor cooking areas after use
• Do not leave pet food outdoors
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees

For more information on living responsibly in bear country, please visit:

Minnesota DNR: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/camping.html

BearWise: https://bearwise.org/

By taking these simple steps, we can help keep both our community and local wildlife safe.

The Minnesota DNR has partnered with BearWise to help educate people about bears, how to avoid unwanted encounters and what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild. Learn more about recreating safely in bear country.

03/25/2026

We had a wonderful time today welcoming the Free Spirit Homeschool Co-op to the Cambridge Police Department!

It was great meeting so many kids and families from our local Cambridge/Isanti community. Our officers truly enjoyed showing off our equipment, giving tours of our squad cars, and answering all the great questions. And of course, Jack was happy to make some new friends too!

If your daycare, homeschool group, or organization would like to tour the police department, meet our officers (and Jack!), and get an up-close look at our equipment and squad cars, we’d love to have you visit.

Feel free to reach out to us through Facebook Messenger or call the Cambridge Police Department at 763-689-9567 and ask to speak with Chief Shawn Machin to schedule a visit.

03/25/2026

We’d like to extend our appreciation to all of our officers for the hard work and dedication they show every day serving the Cambridge community. We are especially proud of the officers who were recently recognized at the Isanti County Law Enforcement Association awards banquet.

Congratulations to the following Cambridge Police Department officers:
🏅 Officer Tanner Peetz – Lifesaving Award
For assisting EMS with lifesaving efforts, including CPR and operation of the LUCAS device, helping save a man experiencing a medical emergency.

🏅 Officer Timothy Dougall & Detective Trevor Corbett – Lifesaving Award
For their quick response and decisive actions in treating a severe wrist laceration, applying a tourniquet and stopping life-threatening bleeding.

These awards highlight the professionalism, training, and commitment our officers bring to every call for service. We are proud of their actions and honored to have them serving our community.

The Isanti County Law Enforcement Association (ICLEA) held its annual awards banquet at Pinewood Weddings and Events in Cambridge on Thursday, Feb. 26.

03/18/2026

🚔 NOW HIRING POLICE OFFICERS 🚔

The Cambridge Police Department is hiring Police Officers and offers a schedule designed to support work-life balance.

🕒 12-Hour Rotating Schedule
• Work 7 out of 14 days in a two-week pay period
•Five consecutive days off every pay period

💰Pay:$38.58 – $50.80 per hour (DOQ)

Additional Benefits Include:
🚓 Take-home squad (within 5 miles of City Hall)
🧠 Annual mental health check-ins
💬 Up to **6 confidential therapy sessions per year** for officers or their families
🏥 Family Health Insurance: $190.70 per month
💳$1,750 annual HRA contribution for medical expenses

📅 Application Deadline: April 16 at 4:00 PM

Join a department committed to officer wellness, professionalism, and community partnerships.

➡️ Apply today:
https://www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/your-government/employment

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Cambridge Police Department! 🍀

We know today is all about green drinks, good friends, and maybe a little extra luck… but don’t push your luck behind the wheel. 🚔

Our officers will be out conducting DWI enforcement tonight, so if your plans include celebrating, make sure they also include a safe ride home.

A few ways to stay off our “unlucky” list:
🍀 Choose a sober driver
🍀 Call a rideshare or taxi
🍀 Crash on a friend’s couch

Please stay safe and celebrate responsibly! 🍀

03/12/2026

🚔 NOW HIRING: POLICE OFFICERS 🚔
The Cambridge Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. If you are looking to serve a growing community while working with a professional and supportive team, we encourage you to apply.

Starting Pay: $38.58 – $50.80 per hour (DOQ)

Benefits Include:
• 12 hour rotating schedules where officers work 7 out of the 14 days in a two week pay period and have 5 days off in a row each pay period.
• Commitment to the wellbeing of officers and their families. Yearly mental health check-ins, and up to 6 confidential appointments with a licensed therapist for officers or their family members.
• Take home squads if you live within 5 miles of City Hall.
• Family Health Insurance: $190.70 per month
• $1,750 Annual HRA Contribution to help offset eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses such as deductibles and copays
• Competitive wages and a supportive work environment

📅 Application Deadline: April 16th at 4:00 PM
Join a department committed to professionalism, community partnerships, and officer wellness.

Note: The anticipated start date for this position is late May or early June, so candidates who are currently completing POST skills are encouraged to apply.

➡️ Apply today using the link below.
https://www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/your-government/employment

Know someone who would make a great police officer? Tag them below.

02/17/2026

02/14/2026

📣 Thank You Freedom Service Dogs! 🐾
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Freedom Service Dogs for the incredible work they do and for entrusting our community with Jack. Jack has already made a tremendous impact in our schools and throughout our community. His calm presence, ability to build connections, and natural way of bringing smiles to students and staff each day has been nothing short of amazing. He helps open doors to conversation, provides comfort during difficult moments, and strengthens the relationships we work so hard to build.

We are especially grateful for our strong partnership with the Cambridge-Isanti School District. Their willingness to allow us to permanently assign a therapy dog to our schools made this possible. In fact, we were proud to be one of the first in the area to have a therapy dog permanently assigned within our school district. Without this level of trust, collaboration, and shared vision for supporting students, Jack’s presence in our schools would not have happened.

A special thank you also goes to School Resource Officer (SRO) Kevin Gross, who developed this idea and worked tirelessly to turn it from a vision into reality. His commitment to our students and dedication to strengthening relationships is what brought Jack to Cambridge.

If you see SRO Gross and Jack in the schools or out in the community, please stop and say hello — Jack loves interacting with people and making new friends! 🐶💙

To read more about Jack’s story, visit:
https://freedomservicedogs.org/clients/kevin-jack/

— Chief Shawn Machin
Serving Our Community with Integrity and Honor

School Resource Officer Kevin & FSD Facility Dog Jack make a dog-sized difference.