Local law enforcement thankful for residents’ support

Almost on a daily basis when watching the national TV media we hear calls for police reform, defund police departments, etc. in various cities. Shootings and deaths, carjacking, robberies, and other violence have really been on the increase in too many places across our country.
When driving around our community you will see many “Back the Blue” or “We Support the Police” yard signs. The question recently came up about what local Police and Sheriff Department officers feel on this issue so I asked them for a short comment.
Scott Rose, Dodge County Sheriff responded:
“We are so fortunate here in Dodge County to have the level of support we do from the citizens here. When we hear about other agencies dealing with anti-law enforcement protests or issues - that's when we start seeing cards, food and treats sent to our office thanking our staff for the great work they do. We contract with Mantorville, Dodge Center, Hayfield, Claremont, Triton School District, and the Hayfield School District, in addition to our other responsibilities.
“We've always had the full support of these city councils and schools and our deputies have done a great job building relationships within those communities. It's common, every day, for our deputies to hear "thank you" from people, they see while out patrolling. Protests and animosity towards our law enforcement is something we just don't see here - which I think is a testament to the amazing work our men and women do day and night here to keep our families safe.”
Josh Hanson, Kasson Police Chief replied:
“I have been a Kasson police officer since 2004 and have felt the Kasson community has always supported their local law enforcement. It is not uncommon, especially in the last year, for citizens to come up to our officers and thank them for doing their jobs. The officers, deputies, and troopers serving the Kasson community, and the state as a whole, come to work every day and make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve.
“Sometimes police officers do make mistakes, and like any profession, some should not be doing the job because of poor performance or bad behavior. As a profession, we are always trying to improve to better serve our community. We continually train and evolve to meet the demands of the citizens we serve.
“The majority of what a police officer does during his or her career will not make the news. We change lives one citizen contact at a time. Sometimes that contact may involve making an arrest or writing a ticket. Other times it might just be talking to a person in crisis and getting them the help they need. Ultimately, the majority of those who put on a badge do it because of the positive changes they can accomplish in the community.
“It is good to hear the positive ways our residents show respect and gratitude toward our local law enforcement.  The day may come when each of us might need these folks during an emergency and they will make every effort to be there to help us!
Thanks to these hard-working men and women for putting their lives on the line each day and we want all of them to be able to return home to their families safely each day too!”