Embattled Hiawatha Police Sergeant Laura Tollefson has been reinstated, but as a Patrol Officer, not as Sergeant. 

The 20-year Police Department veteran was terminated by City Administrator Lynne Ladner on May 11th, after being placed on administrative leave March 22nd. 

The matter apparently arose from Tollefson's handling of a domestic violence call on December 11th of last year. 

Requesting a grievance hearing before the City Commission, Tollefson met with the governing body, behind closed doors, for around three hours on May 21st. 

Now, the outcome of that meeting is made public by Tollefson: she has been reinstated to the Police Department.   

That word comes in an email of thanks Tollefson sent to those throughout the local area that provided support during her ordeal. 

She states in the email that she has been reinstated as a Patrol Officer,  subject to what was deemed to be appropriate discipline. Tollefson states that although the process does not allow the disclosure of much information, she wants it known that she's pleased with the outcome of the process and is happy to return to serving the community. 

Earlier this month, the Kansas Attorney General's office declined to prosecute Tollefson following their review of the investigation conducted solely by the Hiawatha Police Department, pertaining to Tollefson's handling of the domestic violence situation. 

However, the A.G.'s office did state that other discipline could be utilized, and referred the matter to the Kansas Commission On Peace Officers' Standards and Training. 

                             TOLLEFSON'S THANK YOU LETTER FOLLOWS:

Dear Community Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

Finding the appropriate words to properly express my gratitude and

appreciation is challenging to say the least. I want to thank everyone

who expressed their support for me, through prayer, comment, written

letters, or attendance at the City Commission meeting. Your kindness and

thoughtfulness has been overwhelming and humbling.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank the Mayor and City

Commissioner’s for their time and thoughtful consideration in their service

to the City of Hiawatha.

I have been advised that I have been reinstated as a Patrol Officer, subject

to what was deemed to be appropriate discipline. Although the process

does not allow the disclosure of much information, I want it to be known

that I am pleased with the outcome of the process and I am very happy

to return to serving our community. Be assured, great lessons have been

learned and I will continue to strive to dedicate myself to proudly serving

this community to the best of my ability.

Thank you again and I look forward to the opportunity to personally express

my sincere gratitude.

Sincerely,

Laura K. Tollefson