In 2022, the Department was introduced to a brave young boy named Cooper Craig-Mellmer. Cooper was battling a childhood cancer. He had one wish; to become a police officer.
With the help of Make-A-Wish North Dakota, the Department set out on a quest to make Cooper’s wish come true. After a swearing-in ceremony and donuts, Cooper began training on the ins and outs of handling bad guys. He saw a K-9 demonstration and then hit the streets on patrol where he caught his own teacher for speeding (but issued her only a warning!).
The highlight of the day came near shift’s end where Cooper bravely apprehended a pair of “robbers” who had just robbed American State Bank. He escorted them out of the bank to a hero’s praise. Mission accomplished!
Cooper stayed in contact as Honorary Officer #499 over the years. In 2024, his cancer returned with a vengeance. Cooper fought a courageous battle until the end, passing away surrounded by family on Friday, December 13th, 2024. He continues to have an impact on each of us at the Department, reminding us to embrace every day, be resilient in spirit, and to inspire those around us.
At the Dickinson Police Department, we believe that leadership knows no age, and that true leaders can emerge from all corners of our community — including those who are often overlooked due to their youth or perceived inexperience.
The young people of Dickinson, North Dakota, are not just the leaders of tomorrow — many are already demonstrating the values, resilience, and initiative that define great leadership today. They are growing, learning, and setting examples for others through their actions, decisions, and integrity. These individuals deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Inspired by a tradition rooted in the military, the challenge coin has long served as a symbol of exceptional service, dedication, and honor. It is a token reserved for those who go above and beyond — those who lead by example and earn the respect of their community. The Dickinson Police Department proudly embraces this tradition through the Cooper K. Craig-Mellmer Youth Leadership Award.
This award is named in honor of Cooper K. Craig-Mellmer, whose life and spirit continue to inspire all who knew him. Cooper exemplified courage, and a deep desire to serve his community. His legacy reminds us that leadership is not defined by age or circumstance, but by the heart and purpose with which one chooses to live. Cooper’s enduring impact is reflected in this award and in the lives of the young leaders it seeks to recognize.
This award is presented to a youth in our community who has demonstrated remarkable leadership and courage—often in moments when it was least expected, but most needed. The recipient has distinguished themselves among their peers by embodying the Dickinson Police Department’s motto, “Community Strength Through Unity,” and exemplifying our core values of:
Integrity — Acting with honesty and strong moral principles
Commitment — Showing dedication to the well-being of others and the community
Professionalism — Demonstrating maturity, accountability, and respect in all actions
Honor — Upholding the highest ethical standards, even when no one is watching
By earning this award, the recipient has inspired others, strengthened our community, and proven that age is never a barrier to making a meaningful impact. "You are never too young to lead."
To be considered for this award, nominees must be youth residing in Dickinson, North Dakota, who consistently demonstrate leadership through their actions, attitudes, and influence on others. The selection is based on the following core values of the Dickinson Police Department:
1. Integrity
• Consistently makes ethical choices, even when faced with peer pressure or difficult situations
• Demonstrates honesty in actions and speech
• Shows respect for others and takes responsibility for mistakes
2. Commitment
• Actively contributes to their school, neighborhood, or community through service or volunteerism
• Shows dedication to improving the lives of others, including peers, family, or vulnerable individuals
• Follows through on responsibilities and demonstrates reliability
3. Professionalism
• Maintains a positive and respectful demeanor in various settings, including school, extracurricular activities, and public interactions
• Demonstrates maturity, accountability, and emotional intelligence
• Communicates effectively and resolves conflicts peacefully
4. Honor
• Acts as a role model to peers through humility, selflessness, and courage
• Upholds high personal standards and defends what is right, even in the face of adversity
• Shows pride in representing their community and inspires others to do the same
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Additional Considerations
• Nominees should be under the age of 21
• Actions may be recognized from within the past 12 months
• A brief written statement (200–500 words) should accompany each nomination form, providing specific examples of how the nominee has lived out the core values above.