Bob Shellum, a 27-year veteran of the department, had been serving as acting public safety director since July and will assume his new duties immediately. Within two months he went from community service officer to dispatcher, and 10 months later he became a patrol officer. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a business degree, and after six years on patrol he was promoted to sergeant. In 1982, Shellum was awarded a Bush Fellowship and took a leave of absence to earn a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard. He returned to Golden Valley and in 1987 was named captain.
Police consider Golden Valley one of the best places to be in the state.
We have excellent people, equipment, facilities, training, and support from the City. It's a first-rate operation, and there's so much pride in the organization. Shellum believes his roots in the community and experience in the police department will serve him well in his new position. I think I have a pretty good idea what the community expects from its police department. With that in mind, Shellum says the department will continue to emphasize staff development and training.