Police Reserves


The Grand Forks Police reserves have been an important part of the Grand Forks Police Department since 1965. The reserve officers volunteer their time and aid the Department in a variety of ways. They accompany regular officers during normal shifts and help out with special enforcement programs such as Underage Alcohol Enforcement. This extra help allows the regular sworn officers to more safely and effectively complete these assignments. The Reserve Officers also assist in alcohol and tobacco compliance checks and work during a variety of special events including parades and the First Night Celebration. In fact the Reserves lead many parades with their 1965 Ford Galaxy 500 Special Police Car. The reserves meet monthly and conduct a variety of law enforcement training to insure that they are prepared to step in and assist the regular sworn officers when the situation requires it. The Police Reserves are made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Some join the reserves with the hope of gaining experience that will help them to pursue a career in law enforcement while others are just people with an interest in law enforcement. Reserve Officer Don Purpur has been a member of the force for 30 years, longer then some of our regular officers have been alive! All of the reserves are people that care about the community and volunteer their time to help us keep Grand Forks a great place to live.


GFPD Reserve Police Officers (Left to Right - RPO Carl Wilkes, RPO Brad Rutherford, RPO Pat Holtzmann, RPO George LaMora, RPO Don Purpur, RPO William Phelps).

If you are interested in becoming a Police Reserve and would like to be notified when the hiring procedure will begin, please contact Sgt. Brett Johnson or Lt. Michael Ferguson.

For any other information regarding the Police Reserves please contact Sgt. Brett Johnson.