Submitted Photo Chris Olson was nominated for an Eagle Award by an individual he pulled over during a traffic stop. His nominator said Olson was courteous, respectful and kind

North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper Chris Olson was nominated for an Eagle Award by an individual he stopped for a speed violation. His nominator wanted to recognize Olson for his kindness, patience and professionalism during the stop.

Olson is originally from Devils Lake and graduated from North Dakota State University. He worked at the Valley City Police Department before moving to Minot three years ago to accept a position with the N.D. Highway Patrol.

“I spent time at a local law enforcement agency at a police department and a lot of that work was more reactive in nature, like responding to calls. I looked at what a lot of the state troopers in my area were doing and I got to know them. I liked the idea of spending more of my time being proactive and trying to prevent things from happening instead of responding to things after they’ve happened,” Olson said.

“It’s a good reminder that every interaction can have a major impact on someone. For me I think it can be easy getting into the groove of traffic stops because they’re a normal thing that I’m out here doing everyday, so it’s a good reminder for me that it’s a big deal for the public and how I act and how I represent not only my agency, but law enforcement in general – it’s making every interaction important and making every interaction count,” he said.

Olson said his ultimate goal is to have an impact on reducing the number of crashes as well as educating the public on traffic laws and why they’re important.

“Everyday I strive through my work to hopefully prevent one thing – even one crash can mean the world to somebody,” he said.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC has announced the recipients of its Eagle Awards for May. The recipients are: Debra Crawford, Trinity Health Records Department; Ashlyn Deachin, Trinity Health; Nikki Van Pelt, SERVPRO of Minot; Annette Schafer, Minot Housing Authority; Chris Olson, North Dakota Highway Patrol; Heather Jones, Slim Chickens; Kimberly Desjarlais, Marketplace Foods; Jenna Motl, Longfellow Elementary School; Dr. Gina Kapadia, Center for Family Medicine; Dr. Kevin Franks, Trinity Hospital ER; and Gerald Bertsch, SOE-Specialty Outdoor Equipment.