Newest Loyal police officer introduced to community

If you’ve been in Loyal any length of time over the past three months, you’ve probably seen him out patrolling the streets in a police vehicle.

Malachi Askeland is the Loyal Police Department’s newest member, having joined the force Jan. 2. He is from Grygla, a city of about 200 in northern Minnesota.

While newer to law enforcement, Askeland has always had a desire to serve others.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be there for people. I wanted to be able to help people,” he said.

After graduating high school, Askeland spent a year providing humanitarian relief, including cleaning up after hurricanes Isaac and Sandy and volunteering overseas.

He then spent four years in the Marine Corps. He was stationed in Syria, Japan and South Korea as an infantry assaultman, working with explosives. After his time in the military, he drove truck for a while. He then decided to pursue law enforcement as a career. He attended Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, completing the college’s two-year criminal justice program and 720-hour police academy. He served as a reserve deputy for the Wood County Sheriff’s Department since last March.

While he was in the academy, Askeland saw the Loyal Police Department was hiring, decided to apply and the rest is history.

In the short time he’s been here, Askeland has come to appreciate the small-town atmosphere and the people he’s met.

“I love this town; I love the community,” he said.

When not on the job, Askeland enjoys outdoor activities like snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and hiking.

Malachi Askeland