Alexandre Cyusa
Snowy Greetings!
Allow me to introduce you to an exceptional person I was fortunate to collaborate with during summer 2016. Officer Michael Bloom, originally from California, chose to call Fargo home a decade ago and chose a valiant vocation: law enforcement. The fascinating aspect of Officer Bloom is that within this complex occupation he is a Community Trust Officers (CTO) making him work very closely with the youth, which is how we got to collaborate in the Jefferson neighborhood.
Officer Bloom uses his love for rapping to impact and connect with the youth. This is why he composed songs with Billboard artist DPB called UNITY in December 2017 and IT’S TIME in November 2018. Both can be found on YouTube.
If you ever cross his humble path you will be drawn to him because of his infectious smile and care for others
The youth of Fargo are lucky to have such a Community Trust Officers using all his skills and gifts to keep them safe!
Until our snowy paths cross,
Stay Warm! -Alex Cyusa
Tell us your story of coming to the Fargo/Moorhead area?
In 2007 I realized I needed more in my life than just school and sports. I wanted more in my life. At the time I was living in Modesto, California, and was totally unhappy with how my life was going. I remember making a faith step and turning my life over to Jesus. It was at that moment I just felt like I needed to live for something more, although at the time I didn’t know what that looked like. My sister was living in Moorhead at the time and I felt like I should try some new scenery and made to the move to the Midwest.
Where did your love for serving the community as Law Enforcement come from?
This passion really began while I was working as a Corrections Officer at the Cass County Jail. It was at that time I started to realize I loved helping people navigate through their problems. I wanted to invest in a community of people that many forget about and I knew if I jumped ship at the jail and went to the PD I could expand my influence and also grow more as a person.
Why do you care so much about the youth?
Youth have a soft spot on my heart. I meet so many kids who did not ask for the circumstances they are currently living in, but because of poor family choices they are stuck in a hard place. Youth need to know they still have a purpose in life no matter what they are going through. I just want to keep helping Youth discover their purpose and chase their goals.
How can people get involved with the work you do?
Call the Police Department (701) 235-4493 and ask for my voicemail. I will do my best to get back to someone within the same week that they call. People reach out a lot with ideas of collaboration. Sometimes we can make something work and sometimes it’s not the right fit for our programming. It’s wonderful to meet new people.
How is the FM area doing when comparing with your colleagues around the nation working in similar rural communities?
The whole metro area is a special place. Just look at Giving Hearts Day for example. We have one day where a whole community comes together to give for a cause that will change so many lives. Fargo specifically is on the same page as a community that people matter. Our local schools have great Principles that we partner with and many non-profit groups are doing excellent work in our city. Groups like Charism, Boys and Girls Club, and Legacy Children’s Foundation are all doing an excellent job to help the youth of our city.
Where did this passion for rapping come from? Why is it important for the work you do?
I have loved rap music since I could remember. I used to rap with a Karaoke machine when I was six years in my living room most mornings when I wasn’t in school. So many of the youth that I work with share my passion for Hip-Hop music. I have learned to reach the audience you trying to impact you have to learn what language they speak. Many kids speak raps language. They relate to it, dream of doing it themselves someday, or just love to dance and make videos to show on social media. I think rap is greatest tool that I have to network with kids.
What stereotype from the Law Enforcement would like to change? Why?
I want people to know that Officers care about them regardless of what they have done. I feel like many people see Officers as people who do not always care about their communities, and this is just not the case. I have seen to many acts of bravery and community support in our department. Time after time our Officers go above and beyond the call of duty to help people.
What would you like the world to know about the Fargo/Moorhead area?
The FM area is not just a community, but a family. From saving each other’s homes during major floods or rallying around great organizations to help them meet the needs of people, our city cares for the needs of others. That is something you won’t find in every community.
