Ben Weidemann receives his Audubon police chief insignia from his wife during a ceremony at the Audubon City Council meeting on May 8, 2023. (Contributed / City of Audubon / Facebook)

Audubon swears-in new police chief

By Michael Achterling May 9, 2023 | 2:37 PM

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The city of Audubon hired a new chief of police on Monday.

Ben Weidemann was sworn in by Mayor Charles Barnett as police chief of Audubon during a ceremony at the Audubon City Council meeting on May 8.

Weidemann, a Frazee and Detroit Lakes native, has spent more than 20 years in law enforcement between Norfolk, Virginia, the Becker County Sheriff’s Office and, most recently, the White Earth Police Department, where he has worked since 2017.

Weidemann explained how sees the city’s police chief interacting with the community in the future.

“It’s a small town,” said Weidemann. “I’d like to be part of the community especially with the school … just be involved with the children up there and probably putting on some talks and stuff with the school. And then, the school zone through (Audubon), just make sure people are abiding by the rules.”

He also said he plans on making a positive impact for Audubon and is excited to head the city’s law enforcement.

“Knowing that I can make a difference, and I will be making a difference,” he said. “It’s just a good opportunity to be involved and kind of be my own boss.”

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