Gov. Tim Walz orders flags lowered to half-staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Walz has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff Monday in commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
It's been a harrowing spring for law enforcement in Minnesota and Wisconsin: Four officers were killed in just the past two months.
On Sunday night in St. Paul, police officers, sheriff's deputies and state troopers were taking part in round-the-clock honor guard patrols at the Minnesota Peace Officer's Memorial at the State Capitol.
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It's the first part of the state's observance of Monday's National Peace Officers Memorial Day. A service was also held at the memorial at 7 p.m., open to the public.
The scene and choreography might remind you of Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This memorial, though, is meant to ensure what and who's known is not forgotten.
Stearns County Sheriff's Dep. Edwin Arendt was killed in a car crash while on patrol in November of 1987. Two of his surviving daughters, Tina and Marcia Arendt, tell WCCO News that the WWII veteran was an avid fisherman with a great sense of humor, but poor sense of style – except when he put on his uniform.
"He would take better care of other people than he would himself," said Tina Arendt.
"Some people can say that their job is a job to them. You just go to collect a paycheck to get money," said Marcia Arendt. "Other people, their job is more of a calling for them. And I think that's what it was for Dad."
The Arendts laid a wreath Monday in their father's honor during the state's 24-hour vigil for Peace Officer Memorial Day. One of several wreaths memorializes the 300 killed in the line of duty in Minnesota's history. Every 20 minutes, a new group of police officers, sheriff's deputies or state troopers stand on guard in front of the memorial, then ring a bell and read aloud a hero's name.
Organizers say all of this is as much for the living, as it is for the fallen.
"If I can say anything to everybody out there, if you see an officer in the grocery store, at the gas station, a quick thank you to them goes a long way in helping them get back at it the next day and serve a community as best we can," said Crystal Police Chief Brian Hubbard.
The president designated May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week.
"Today and every day, it is fitting to honor those Peace Officers who gave their lives to protect ours and to thank the over 10,900 Law Enforcement Officers in Minnesota who serve in 417 law enforcement agencies for their dedication and service to Minnesota communities," Walz said, in a proclamation.
Walz encouraged individuals, businesses and non-government organizations to also lower their flags.
