When Kimball patrol officer Brian Stiles comes to work he never knows what’s going to happen. “I like the excitement of not knowing what you’re getting into,” Stiles said. “It depends on the calls from regular traffic stops to child welfare, animal neglect, vehicle unlocks, medical or personal assists and domestics.” The most severe situation he’s been in is a felony traffic stop involving a meth lab. Stiles has worked for the Kimball Police Department for one and a half years. The Glencoe native enjoys interacting with people in different situations. “I like dealing with people in distress and making a difference in peoples’ lives,” he said. Stiles works full-time for the Kimball Police Department, spending two hours a day as the Kimball school resources officer and contracts with Fairhaven. He also patrols by boat and snowmobile part-time as a deputy at the McLeod County Sheriff’s Department and works part-time with the Lester Prairie Police Department. One challenge in working in law enforcement is when you can’t solve problems, especially repeat offenders. “You have to realize that you’re not going to help everyone,” he said. “You try to the best of your ability, but it’s not perfect.” Another challenge is when technology fails. Patrol cars are equipped with computers. Education Stiles graduated from Glencoe-Silver Lake High School. After high school Stiles joined the McLeod County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve officer. He attended Ridgewater College for his A.A.S. degree in Law Enforcement and completed his 10-week law enforcement skills training at Alexandria Technical College. Something that Stiles didn’t expect in law enforcement is the amount of paperwork officers have to fill out. “A theft could be a 6-page report and there are 4-5 different forms to fill out for a DWI arrest,” he said. Another thing he found surprising is the amount of time it takes cases to go through the court system, but when a case turns out well it’s a good feeling. “When we clear a case it might be positive and that’s something to look back on,” he said. Stiles lives in Kimball and likes the area. “I like the small-town atmosphere and that we still stay busy,” Stiles said. “The chief makes it easy.” Off duty When Stiles isn’t working he enjoys being outdoors golfing, hunting and fishing. He enjoys spending time with his fiancee Kristi, family, friends and dog Cisco. “I can’t see myself doing anything else,” Stiles said. “I love this job.”
