WAYZATA — After more than two decades in law enforcement, including five years of dedicated service to the Wayzata Police Department, Sergeant Jason Gehrman was honored Tuesday night for his retirement—alongside his beloved K-9 partner, Loki.
At a bittersweet city council meeting, Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker and City Manager Jeff Dahl offered heartfelt tributes to Gehrman, whose calm leadership, strong character, and compassion have left a lasting impact on the department and the Wayzata community.
“Sergeant Gehrman has been a cornerstone of our department—a steady hand, a courageous leader, and a compassionate presence,” said Baker. “His genuine care for others and unwavering sense of duty has earned him the deep respect of his peers and the gratitude of our citizens.”
Gehrman began his law enforcement journey in 2002 as a volunteer reserve officer in Golden Valley before joining the Roseville Police Department in 2006. Over the years, he took on a wide array of roles—from sniper team leader with East Metro SWAT to undercover impact officer. Known for his quick wit and Hollywood-worthy improvisations in covert operations, colleagues joked that he sometimes blurred the line between public service and performance art.
In 2019, Gehrman brought his talents to Wayzata. Two years later, he was promoted to sergeant, quickly becoming a community favorite for his thoughtful approach, especially with local youth.
Perhaps his most visible contribution was launching Wayzata’s first-ever K-9 search and rescue team. Loki, a four-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois trained in tracking and trailing by scent, became a fixture in the community alongside Gehrman. The duo received the Excellence in Innovation Award from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association in 2024.
“Bittersweet night tonight,” said City Manager Dahl. “We’ve been blessed to have Sergeant Gehrman in our Police Department for the past five years.” Reflecting on the dedication it takes to serve in a town like Wayzata, Dahl added, “He works his tail off”—a fitting tribute, especially considering his partner Loki has one too.
Gehrman’s love for animals extended beyond Loki. He once led a media campaign and reward effort for a cat injured after being thrown from a moving vehicle, and was rumored—tongue-in-cheek—to be considering adoption. “Which we all took as code for, ‘he hadn’t convinced his wife yet,’” Baker added, drawing laughs.
A family man and community volunteer, Gehrman and his relatives were often spotted at Toys for Tots drives, softball games, and Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake celebration—where he’s suspected of having a “direct line” to the Grinch himself.
As he steps away from law enforcement, colleagues say they’ll miss his perfectly timed humor and the warmth he brought to every shift. Highlights included pranks involving QR codes that led to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, a novelty tumbler adorned with accident report icons, and an infamous burner phone incident that remains the stuff of investigative legend.
In his closing remarks, Sergeant Jason Gehrman offered heartfelt thanks and a promise to remain part of the community he’s served with such devotion. “It’s been an honor to work for the department and the city for the last six years,” he said. “And Loki and I are not going to be strangers. We’ll be around to help if anything comes up—if anybody goes missing.”
Gehrman went on to thank city leadership and staff, reflecting on the relationships built over his time in Wayzata. “So I thank you—all the council members, past and present, mayors, Jeff, Aurora, everyone in the city. It’s been a fun ride. Thank you.” His words echoed the same humility and dedication that have made him a respected and beloved figure in the department and the greater Wayzata community.
Sergeant Gehrman and K-9 Loki’s service may be complete, but their legacy will continue to ripple through Wayzata for years to come.
