National Peace Officers Memorial Day Highlights National Police Week

Today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and it's a fitting time to pause and remember the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

I've noted before that I'm a huge supporter of law enforcement, as my dad was a police officer back in Wisconsin for over 30 years. (That's the patch from his department I happened to find when I was cleaning out our store room last week.) We were lucky, in that during his over 30 years of service, he returned home safely to us at the end of each shift. I'm grateful for that fact, and enormously proud of his service on the force.

But not all law enforcement families are as lucky as mine. Sadly, according to the Rochester Police Deparment, "272 Minnesota law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty. The first was recorded in 1874, and the most recent occurred last summer when Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was shot to death during a traffic stop."

And those numbers are just here in Minnesota. Earlier this year, a rookie trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol was killed in the line of duty, in an area only about an hour or so east of my hometown, as well. And, there have also been several horrible instances of law enforcement officers being killed in the line of duty across the country.

So, on this Peace Officer's Memorial Day, I'd like to pause and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect the rest of us. I can't imagine the loss their families have gone through.

But, seeing as this week is National Police Week, I'd like to also salute those who continue to put on the uniform and badge. They head to work each day, not knowing what their patrol might bring, and hoping, but again not knowing, that they'll make it home safely-- all to help protect society and keep the peace. It's a tough job, and recent events have made it even tougher. But they do it anyway. And for that, they have my utmost respect.

To all the brave men and women in law enforcement not only here in Minnesota, but back in Wisconsin and all over the country (and world), I say, thank you for your service. You truly are our country's finest!