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Albert Lea Police Lt. Darin Palmer received the Meritorious Award for exceptional service as a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commander from the Special Operations Training Association of the Upper Midwest on April 14.

As part of his duties with the Albert Lea Police Department, Palmer began his service with the SWAT team for the South Central Drug Investigative Task Force in 2003 and rose to the position of commander in 2018. He led the team through the challenges of two officer shootings, Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson in 2020 and ALPD Officer Kody Needham, also in 2020. Palmer’s calm and decisive service resulted in saving lives and protecting the public.

Palmer has also transformed the team through improving equipment, adding advanced medical support and securing critical resources. He also worked to make sure all team members were mentally and physically prepared through training. In addition, Palmer has served as a trainer for teams across the United States.

“His humility, his dedication to continuous improvement and his commitment to his team make him an outstanding leader, one who has earned the respect of his peers and surrounding teams,” the association said in its award announcement.

Palmer joined the ALPD in 2000 as a patrol officer and was promoted to lieutenant in 2010.

“Lieutenant Palmer’s exceptional service and leadership as SWAT commander have been invaluable to the Albert Lea Police Department and the wider community,” said

Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson. “His dedication to the safety and well-being of our officers and the public, particularly during critical incidents, is truly commendable and this Meritorious Award is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contributions.”

The Special Operations Training Association of the Upper Midwest is a nonprofit organization comprised of public safety personnel, including tactical officers, crisis negotiators, safety personnel, legal advisors, communication support and paramedics. The association was created by its members and for its members to bring special operations training to all the public safety organizations in the Upper Midwest.