Blessed are the peacemakers

It’s been tough year for law enforcement.  
Since the COVID-19 shutdown last spring, our deputies have dealt with an alarming increase in mental health cases – multiple suicides, suicidal threats, domestic assaults, child abuse cases, and more. The cumulative stress of multiple incidents like this over long periods of time can really take a toll on these men and women, especially in this tight community that we love!  
We were already dealing with a brutal election year where local, state, and federal politicians jumped on the anti-law enforcement bandwagon, promoting the false narrative of systemic racism within law enforcement. Then in May, the Floyd incident happened followed by days and weeks of rioting in the Twin Cities and around the country – fueling an already strong anti-law enforcement movement across the country. Then it was DEFUND the Police, then REFORM the Police, now I think the latest buzz term is RE-IMAGINE the Police.  All of these so-called leaders and politicians arguing for new and improved changes in law enforcement tactics, most of which we already do here in Dodge and most of greater Minnesota – but hey, it sounds great, it gets them on the news, and it gets votes apparently.  
The events of 2020 have added a tremendous amount of pressure and stress on these amazing men and women, on top of their already stressful job.  Chaplains and counselors have worked tirelessly throughout the year here in Minnesota working with officers struggling with the cumulative stress – some officers who can describe in detail the taste of their gun barrel. 
Who in the world would want to sign up for a job like this?
First of all, it’s not a job – it’s a calling. A calling that 99% of the population would never consider taking on.  These are very special men and women. They are our local heroes. Heroes who simply signed up to make a difference. They signed up to do their little part to help make our community a better place for us to raise our families and kids in. They are such an important part of our great community. 
This week, as you celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ, take a minute to say a prayer for the men and women who are celebrating in their squad cars and in their 911 Dispatcher chairs this week, spending time away from their families to make sure you can safely spend this amazing holiday with your family.       
Merry Christmas to all from your friends at the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.
Blessed are the Peacemakers. 
 
Scott Rose serves as the Dodge County Sheriff. He is in his second term as sheriff.