After 22 years of dedicated service, Sergeant Brant Richardson of the Bloomington Police Department is set to retire this coming February. Richardson, a seasoned veteran of law enforcement, began his tenure in November 2003, and climbed the ranks to become sergeant in 2017, a role in which he oversaw the Investigations and Bomb Unit, according to a recent City of Bloomington's briefing.
His extensive career has been marked by diverse roles—he was a field training officer and crime scene technician, also an explosive detection canine handler, and served in the Mall of America Police Unit, Richardson's journey didn't start at the police academy but was rather inspired by a military service followed by a fateful ride-along with his cousin, which had set his sights on law enforcement. Through his time on the force, Richardson has held firm to the belief that effective policing hinges upon open communication and community engagement, once sharing, “If you see something out of place, report it.”
Moreover, Richardson's accomplishments within the Bomb Unit stand out, joining in 2011 and becoming a certified Bomb Technician the following year, his commitment to tackling intricate tasks and ensuring public safety has been unwavering. Not only has Richardson led teams in patrol and at the Mall of America, but he's also valued the bond formed with his colleagues, reflecting that the people he's worked with have meant more than the job itself, as Richardson professed, “I’ve appreciated the job and, even more, the people I’ve worked with along the way.”
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Richardson attributes a large portion of his career's success to his wife Kelly’s unwavering support amidst the inevitable ebb and flow of a life spent in service.
