It’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Minnesota

Today is a day all of us pause and salute the men and women behind the badge and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe every day.

It's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day here in Minnesota. A proclamation from Governor Dayton marked the occasion, saying "The State of Minnesota recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe, enforce the rule of law, and respond in times of crisis."

The Governor's proclamation goes on to say, "Today and every day, it is fitting to honor those Peace Officers who put their own lives on the line to protect the lives of others and thank the over 10,000 law enforcement officials in Minnesota for their dedication and service to our communities."

I concur. As I've mentioned before, my dad served as a police officer for over 30 years back in Wisconsin, so I know firsthand the sacrifices made by all the brave men and women who wear the badge and pledge to keep us safe each day. (That picture to above to the left is my dad, taken when he first joined the force back in my hometown of Rothschild, over 45 years ago.)

I'm incredibly proud to say my father was a police officer, and I'm forever grateful for his service-- and that he made it home safely after each shift during his career.

As the Governor's proclamation notes, there aren't a lot of other jobs (other than all the brave men and women serving our country in the military, of course) that require you to put yours on the line in service to the rest of us.

They all do an incredibly tough job every day, and I'm grateful for all they do-- both here in Minnesota and across the country. Thank you all for your service!