Cloquet police chief remains on leave

Cloquet police commander carey Ferrell said things have been extra busy at the department, where he is currently pulling double duty as patrol commander and acting chief while current police chief Jeff Palmer has been on voluntary paid leave for reasons that have yet to be revealed.

City administrator Aaron Reeves reiterated that he assigned Ferrell to “perform the duties and responsibilities of chief” after Palmer was placed on leave effective April 16.

According to the department’s policy manual, the order of command in the absence or availability of the chief is as follows:

(a) Patrol Division Commander - Ferrell

(b) Investigation/Administrative Commander - Derek Randall

(c) Shift Supervisor

Ferrell said the department is shorthanded at the moment, as they have not yet hired filled the spot vacant after Officer Scott Beckman left, plus Palmer is gone and another officer is out on medical leave.

“You have to do the best job you can with the deck you’re dealt,” Ferrell said, adding that he has gotten tremendous support from both the community and the department in Palmer’s absence.