Lt. Brian Reu succeeded Lt. Eddie Carroll as the state director of transportation at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in February and tells School Transportation News he is already impressed with how local stakeholders work together.
A decorated patrol officer with several awards from MADD for enforcing laws targeting impaired drivers, Reu is a member of the Stake Holders Committee, which consists of representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Driver and Vehicle Services, the Minnesota School Bus Operator’s Association, the Minnesota Association of Pupil Transportation and various school bus companies and manufacturers.
“During my first month in this position, I’ve already been involved in many of these activities and have been impressed with the working relationship that exists between the different groups,” Lt. Reu says. “During my career, I’ve often seen resistance or tension between law enforcement and the public. Pupil transportation is unique in that everyone is working towards the same common goal which is the safety of our children.”
He added: “I am excited and look forward to the various opportunities this new assignment presents. That work includes active involvement with school bus-related legislation and overseeing the state’s school bus inspection program.”
Reu grew up on the family farm in southwest Minnesota and attended Alexandria Technical College to pursue a career in law enforcement. He began the State Patrol Training Academy in January 2000 and accepted his first assignment two years later.
