November 2019 Salute to Law Enforcement: Officer Mike Fildes

 

"It is with great pleasure that we nominate Officer Mike Fildes as the member of the Moorhead Police Department as the representative for The Flag Salute to Law Enforcement.  Officer Fildes will be a ten-year member of the Moorhead Police Department in January 2020. He is a Field Training Officer and is actively involved in training all new officers with our department before they go out on their own. He has been a department K-9 handler for the past seven years with his K9 partner, Argo.  Mike was recently selected to be one of our firearms instructors and is responsible for training all of the Moorhead Police Department officers in the use of firearms.

One of Mike's exceptional personality traits is his ability to be professional yet empathetic to others. Officer Fildes is always willing to lend a hand to another officer, another agency, and the public. He often goes beyond the reason for call and spends time with the public getting to know them.  Recently he was seen providing gas to a stranded motorist to get them home. He also bought a pizza and gave it to some kids when they told him they were hungry after mom was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Officer Fildes is a solution, oriented Officer. When he sees a problem, he works on the way to correct it.  Mike likes to remain active and continues to educate himself and his partners. He takes it upon himself to set up mini-trainings during his shift for himself and his partners.

He often gives K9 demonstrations with his partner, Argo. Through these education efforts, he impacts hundreds of our youth each year.  Officer Fildes responds to several agency assists with his K9 partner throughout the metro area and surrounding counties. A recent successful assist came in August as he deployed Argo to track a vehicle theft suspect at the request of the Ottertail County Sheriff's Office. The suspect almost struck a law enforcement officer with the stolen vehicle.   Shortly after, the suspect had fled on foot. Mike and Argo successfully tracked the suspect and apprehended him.

Leadership asked his co-workers were requested to add comments for the nomination of Officer Fildes; their comments show the appreciation they have for him. They stated, "Mike is one of the most selfless individuals I've ever worked with. Officers in our department gravitate towards Mike because of his leadership, professionalism, and his desire to help others. He unselfishly dedicates himself to the Moorhead Police Department through numerous extra assignments. We are beyond grateful to have him as a partner. Mike is a leader in the patrol division.  Officers look up to him, and he is always there to help his partners."  

Mike has received several Letters of Commendation for his professionalism and respectful behavior while interacting with the public."