Megan Boser ’17 named Officer of the Year

Minnesota State Patrol trooper Megan Boser was named the Officer of the Year by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association in June.

Boser is the first female and second state trooper to be awarded MPPOA’s Officer of the Year. She demonstrated unwavering bravery, exceptional courage and embodies the essence of service and commitment to public safety, according to a release.

On April 28, 2022, law enforcement members of the West Central Drug Task Force tracked a vehicle to Morrison County, which was occupied by those suspected of trafficking large amounts of narcotics. Boser and several other law enforcement officers attempted to stop the vehicle by boxing it in and surrounding it. As the officers worked to take the vehicle’s occupants into custody, the driver produced a black handgun and pointed it at officers, which posed an immediate threat. Fearing for her safety and the safety of the other officers, Boser displayed swift decision-making and fired three shots at the driver through the driver’s window, which allowed the other officers the opportunity to get to a position of cover.

“Trooper Boser took decisive action and prevented potential loss of life while effectively bringing an end to a dangerous criminal operation,” MPPOA executive director Brian Peters said. “Her selfless dedication to duty and her unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association serve as an inspiration to us all.”

The MPPOA Officer of the Year award is based on heroics, outstanding service or distinguished community involvement in service. Recipients are selected by the MPPOA board of directors from many nominations. The award is considered a high honor, as it is from the largest association representing public safety professionals in Minnesota.