New, promoted Owatonna police officers sworn

In one of his last acts on the job, Owatonna Police Chief Keith Hiller presided Monday over the swearing of two new police officers and two who have been promoted.

“This is a pretty awesome night,” Hiller said, as he introduced Mya Johnson and Madison Ziegler.

Johnson, an Owatonna native, received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with an emphasis on law enforcement, from Winona State University. She worked at the Steele County Detention Center and as a part-time officer with the West Concord Police Department before joining OPD.

Ziegler earned a law enforcement degree from Riverland Community College. She was a member of the Owatonna Police Explorers unit for five years and worked last summer as a water patrol deputy in Rice County.

Also on Monday, Owatonna High alum Matt Oeltjenbruns was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He earned an associate degree in law enforcement from Alexandria Technical College, then worked for the Forest City Police Department and Winnebago Sheriff’s Department before moving back to Owatonna.

Oeltjenbruns has held multiple roles within the department and is a board member of the Steele County Safety Camp. In 2022, he completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Waldorf University.

Promoted to the rank of captain, Andrew Drenth has been with the OPD for nearly 18 years. He earned degrees in criminal degrees from Alexandria Technical College and Metropolitan State University. He worked as a patrol officer before being assigned to a four-county regional task force.

Among many roles with the department, Drenth has worked with the violent crimes task force, investigating everything from homicides and major drug and robbery investigations.

Following the brief ceremony, officers and their families attended a reception at the Owatonna Arts Center.

The promotions were prompted by Hiller’s retirement; his last day of work is June 30. Captain Jeff Mundale steps in on July 1.