SPEARFISH, SD – Sgt. Samantha Rosenau was recognized as the 2021 Spearfish Police Department Officer of the Year Wednesday.
“Sgt. Rosenau’s standard for each day is her best,” Police Chief Curt Jacobs said, describing that since her start with the department, Sgt. Rosenau has shown excellence in all aspects of the job. “She is extremely professional, a proven leader, and a role model for the department.”
Sgt. Rosenau began her career with the Spearfish Police Department in 2015, when she was hired as a patrol officer. After a brief move to North Dakota, where she served as a detective for the Watford City Police Department, she returned to the Spearfish Police Department in 2020 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2021.
The 2021 Officer of the Year commendation describes Sgt. Rosenau:
Having been duly nominated by her fellow officers, has exhibited to the public and the department, an exceptional degree of professionalism for the Year 2021. Upon her promotion, Sgt. Rosenau immediately distinguished herself by displaying a high level of expectation from her officers. She has fulfilled the primary role in call taking when her shifts have been overwhelmed and her subordinates have noted their successes as being directly attributed to Sgt. Rosenau’s leadership. Her work ethic and passion for her position have been reflected in the top percentiles of call taking and traffic enforcement for this past year. She has consistently exhibited the examples of work ethic and determined leadership that enables her officers to perform to the best of their ability. Her actions and professional performance are a credit to herself, the community she serves, and the Spearfish Police Department.
The award was presented during the department meeting, after which Sgt. Rosenau received applause and congratulations.
“We are extremely proud of Sgt. Rosenau and thank her for her dedication and service,” Chief Jacobs said.
Photo caption: Sgt. Samantha Rosenau was honored as the 2021 Spearfish Police Department Officer of the Year Wednesday. She is pictured with Assistant Chief Boyd Dean, left ,and Chief Curt Jacobs. Photo courtesy Spearfish Police Department