Munden retires after 25 years with Blaine Police Department

Blaine police lieutenant Michael Munden retired after serving 25 years in law enforcement for the city, the longest serving member of the current force, on October 30.

“[Munden] has risen up the ladder as officer to sergeant to lieutenant to interim chief,” mayor Mary Lou Steward said during a recognition of Munden at the October 28 city council meeting. “He filled them all with distinction and honor, and really helped to keep our city safe.”

Munden graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern and started his career as a reserve police officer in Aguilar, Colorado in 1991. He then moved to his hometown of Raton, New Mexico with his wife and became an officer there in 1992.

Wanting to move out of New Mexico, the couple flipped a coin on moving to Maine or Washington. Shortly after, 29-year-old Munden found Blaine when he was driving up the I-5 corridor picking up applications in 1999.

Munden created the police department’s  former K-9 program, where he worked as a dog handler for 12 years. He also oversaw a reserve program, pushed to update radio equipment, reviewed policies and oversaw the administrative needs of the department. Munden’s contributions were recognized through his promotions, eventually becoming interim police chief this year when former chief Donnell Tanksley became sheriff.

“I’ve always had a strong sense of what’s right and what’s wrong,” Munden said. “I wanted to help people who are being victimized, and law enforcement was a great way to do that.”

Munden said the most important part of his law enforcement career was the positive impact he was able to make on lives, whether that was helping a family break the cycle of domestic violence or helping someone get their life back on track.   

“One of the things I’ve always tried to pass on to new officers is what may be another case in a day for you, may be a life-altering moment for other people,” Munden said. “So take that compassion with you to every call because you don’t know what kind of impact you’re going to have on that person’s life.”

“Lieutenant Munden is well known and well respected throughout law enforcement with every agency in the community,” chief Rodger Funk said during Munden’s recognition.

Sergeant Brent Greene will fill Munden’s shoes as lieutenant and officer Keith Olson will be promoted as sergeant.

In retirement, Munden said he and his wife plan on moving out of state to be closer to their grandchildren in Florida.

“I’d really like to thank the community,” Munden said. “It’s a great community and beautiful city. It’s been a privilege to stay here for as long as I have.”