Roll Call: CHPD Podcast

In their first podcast of 2026, the Roll Call podcast team recaps 2025, introduces the Police Department's newest staff members, and outlines its goals for 2026. From mentoring high school students to preventing crime, the Columbia Heights Police Department is focused on building and maintaining relationships year-round, not just in times of crisis. 

The Roll Call podcast team is joined by Hassan Kamel and Ryan Munsey of Otto Kroeger Associates (OKA), who are in town to facilitate an emotional resilience course for the Columbia Heights Public Safety staff.

In this episode, Hassan and Ryan explain how their three-day course can better prepare Columbia Heights first responders for the emotional challenges of front-line situations.

Heidi Kopischke, Shelter and Supportive Services Supervisor with the Alexandra House joins Will Rottler, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, and Tabitha Wood, COP Coordinator/Youth Outreach Officer.

In this episode, Heidi shares with the Roll Call team the mission of the Alexandra House and how the Columbia Heights community can support its efforts.

Police Chief Matt Markham, Sergeant Mohammad Farah, and COP Coordinator/Youth Outreach Officer Tabitha Wood joined Communications and Engagement Coordinator Will Rottler to recap the summer and discuss their new roles with the Columbia Heights Police Department.

Office Supervisor Karen Olson joins the podcast to reflect on her 35+ years with the City of Columbia Heights. Karen has worked with the Columbia Heights Police Department since 1985 in several capacities, including as office supervisor since 2010. From scheduling swearing-in ceremonies to overseeing office staff, Karen has been the department's heartbeat for numerous years.

Co-host Will Rottler, along with Columbia Heights Police Sergeant Jason Piehn and Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, have a discussion with Brian Hubbard, President of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association.

Columbia Heights Boys Basketball Head Coach Willie Braziel joins this episode of Roll Call to discuss basketball, growing up in North Minneapolis, the importance of being a mentor and partnering with the Columbia Heights Police Department.

Pat Sukhum, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, joins the Roll Call podcast team to chat about the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Columbia Heights and how people can get involved with the program.

Will Rottler takes over as co-host for Roll Call and is joined by a new member of the Columbia Heights Police Department, Joe Poublanc, who will be entering the Pathways to Policing program.

Along with Will and Joe, Captain Matt Markham, Investigator Tabitha Wood, and Officer Shelby Tombers talk about being authorized for 30 officers, working in Columbia Heights, and being part of the community.

In his last episode as co-host, Communications Coordinator Ben Sandell speaks with Police Chief Lenny Austin on community policing, training and recruitment, and the past and future of Roll Call.