Today, the Eden Prairie Police Department marks the end of an era, as Sergeant Tom Lowery steps down after a notable 25-year tenure. A ceremony held in his honor saw Police Chief Matt Sackett bestow upon him the Career Achievement Award, a gesture that underscores Lowery's quarter-century commitment to public service and safety, as reported by the Eden Prairie official announcement.
Lowery's policing career, which began in July 2000, included various critical roles such as a five-year stint on the SWAT team, eventually rising to team leader, and another five years as the reserve unit coordinator. In recent years, his focus shifted to traffic supervision, where he was actively involved with Metro Transit's Green Line security and the Toward Zero Deaths initiative. His efforts were integral and geared toward optimizing traffic safety through concerted strategies addressing seat belt usage, car seats, speeding, distracted driving, and DWI prevention, as stated by the EPPD release.
In addition to his on-the-ground work, Sgt. Lowery cultivated valuable inter-agency relationships, partnering with traffic supervisors across the west metro area and with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. His leadership extended to the Hennepin Chiefs Traffic Advisory Committee, hosting their meetings and promoting collaboration, ensuring that education and enforcement efforts resonated throughout the region.
One cannot overlook Sgt. Lowery's pioneering role in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) unit commencement in October 2018. From a single drone to a fleet of six, the unit flourished under his stewardship, becoming a reference point in UAS implementation statewide. In 2024 alone, the team deployed drones on 91 occasions. His dedication to improving public safety in Eden Prairie, in particular on our roadways, echoes his legacy. His rapport with the local airport and active participation in broader UAS discourse were instrumental, assisting numerous agencies in establishing their own drone programs.
While the Eden Prairie community bids farewell to a seasoned public safety veteran, the fruits of Sgt. Lowery's labor—a safer, better-prepared city—will continue to serve as his steadfast legacy. Reflecting on his career, the Eden Prairie Police Department's farewell message encapsulates the sentiment, "His passion for safe driving is unrivaled in the department and will be missed." Sgt. Lowery's influence on traffic safety measures and drone operations has set a standard for his successors. As he transitions into the next chapter of his life, the department, along with the community it serves, extends heartfelt wishes for a retirement as commendable as his career.
