Full Biography for Lance Madsen

Lance Madsen has spent the last 50 years on the North Coast. He is proud to call Eureka home and has done everything he knows how to make it the best it can be. From walking a beat as a Eureka City policeman to starting a business that helped to revitalize old town, Madsen can proudly claim that many of the major accomplishments of his life were also major milestones for Eureka.

Lance Madsen was born on 8/28/48 in Eureka. The second of 6 children of Doctor William Madsen and Ann Madsen. Business owner, Husband, Father, and City Councilman, Lance graduated from College of the Redwoods in 1971 with a degree in police science. After graduating he married Laura Harris, his wife of 25 years. Lance and Laura started their family in 1984 when they celebrated the birth of Dustin Madsen. Now Dustin is 13 and enrolled in Winship Junior High where he is an A student on the honor list, and active in track. Lance and Laura couldn't be any more proud of their son.

When he became a police officer in 1973, he became the first policeman to get out of his patrol car and walk a beat in over 30 years. Lance was assigned to Old Town in 1978. Old Town was a rough neighborhood back then and walking that beat was no job for some one afraid to get their hands dirty. 20 years later, a policeman walking the streets is a common sight that makes many Eurekans feel safer. Lance was then promoted to Detective in 1979, when he became the chief detective in all cases involving crimes against children and adult sex crimes. Lance was forced to retire due to on the job injuries.

In 1989 Lance Madsen was fed up with the way the city of Eureka was running its affairs. Rather than complain Lance decided to try to do something about it by becoming a Eureka City Councilman. He won that election and has worked tirelessly for the people of Eureka ever since. Lance, remembering his days walking a beat and how effective that had been, was intrumental in developing a community policing program for Eureka. Lance has also helped to create good paying jobs by helping businesses cut through the regulations and red tape that have ensured Humboldt County's economic depression for years. Today, due in large part to Lance's efforts, there are several areas petitioning to be annexed into the City of Eureka because of its business-friendly climate. In 1996 Lance Madsen's fellow City Councilmen recognized his efforts and contributions when they elected him Mayor Pro-Tempore of Eureka, a position he still holds.

Lance and Laura Madsen knew there was still more they could contribute. In October 1995 Allure Jewelry opened it's doors on 2nd Street in Old Town. Lance and Laura were proud to join in the community effort to restore the previously depressed area. The decision to set up shop was not an easy one as they knew it would take much of their time and money. However, the idea that Lance and Laura could help restore the same streets Lance used to patrol on foot eventually won out.

While satisfied with all that he has accomplished, Lance Madsen is not about to stop getting involved now. Lance announced on Monday, February 23rd that he intended to seek the office of Humboldt County Supervisor for the 4th district.