Owatonna police officers sworn, promoted
From left, Owatonna Police Officers Kyle Martin, Zachary Plein, and Hunter Jenzen share a laugh during Tuesday’s swearing in ceremony at Owatonna City Hall. Staff photo by Joni Hubred
Owatonna Police officers and their families filled the city council chamber Tuesday as three officers were sworn and two celebrated promotions.
Third District Court Chief Judge Joseph A. Bueltel administered oaths to officers Hunter Jenzen, Kyle Martin, and Zachary Plein, and sergeants Ben Johnson and Valerie Satre. The brief ceremony was followed by a celebration in the Owatonna Arts Center.
“We are very, very proud of our Owatonna police force,” said council president Greg Schultz. “I know this is a tough time out there, but you do us proud.”
Police Chief Keith Hiller shared information about each of the honorees:
Plein has worked for the department’s Patrol Division for more than two years, after serving with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and Kasson Police Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Martin grew up in Faribault. After earning a diploma in Small Engine Mechanics from South Central College, he pursued his dream career and enrolled at Riverland Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement. Among the first Owatonna Police Reserve officers, he worked as a full-time licensed police officer for Madelia before returning to Owatonna in 2021.
Jenzen, a native of Springfield, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Gustavus Adolphus College. He previously worked as a dispatcher and deputy for the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office and as a Waterville Police Department officer for three years before coming to Owatonna.
Satre lived in Seattle, Wash. and Bozeman, Mont. before moving to Minnesota. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Rasmussen College. She was hired by the Owatonna Police Department after working as a police clerk and police office coordinator for the Robbinsdale Police Department.
After growing up near Chester, Iowa, Johnson earned his law enforcement degree after attending Hennepin Technical College and Inver Hills Community College. Before joining Owatonna’s force in 2012, he worked as an intern with Apple Valley Police Department and as a reserve officer for the Hasting Police Department.