FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Minnesota State Fair officials confirm they will reinstate their police department after the first of the year.
In a statement, Minnesota State Fair general manager Jerry Hammer said the fair's agreement with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office (RCSO), which has been providing law enforcement services for the last several months, ends on Dec. 31. RCSO Commander Ron Knafla will move into a new role as the State Fair's chief of police.
Hammer says the fair will continue to partner with the RCSO, the Minnesota State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, medical services providers and additional security contractors to ensure public safety.
The RCSO took over security for the fair in June after State Fair police chief Paul Paulos retired. Officials decided to dismantle the department rather than replace him.
You can read Hammer's full statement below.
Next year's Minnesota State Fair will be held Aug. 25, 2022 through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
The Minnesota State Fair has reinstated its Police Department following a seven-month stretch during which law enforcement services were provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). The State Fair’s agreement with RCSO ends Dec. 31, 2021.
Commander Ron Knafla of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office will serve as State Fair Chief of Police. The State Fair has a decades-long association with RCSO, including Chuck Zacharias and the legendary Art Blakey who also served as State Fair Chiefs of Police.
The State Fair’s public safety program will continue its partnerships with RCSO and Minnesota State Patrol, along with officers from other law enforcement agencies and medical services providers, plus additional security contractors.
Our thanks to Ramsey County Commissioners, county staff and other law enforcement agencies, especially RCSO, for their support in 2021.
Jerry Hammer, General Manager, Minnesota State Fair
