Waseca Mayor Proclaims Saturday 'Officer Arik Matson Day'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Waseca Mayor Roy Srp has proclaimed February 22, 2020 as Officer Arik Matson Day.

State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) and Senate President Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) also introduced Senate Resolution 196, calling for February 22 to be observed as Officer Arik Matson Day statewide.

Matson is a Waseca police officer who was shot in the head while responding to reports of a suspicious person on Jan 6.

The date of 2/22 is meant to honor Matson's badge number, which is 222.

"Men and women like Arik risk their lives protecting us every day, and until tragedy strikes they do it out of the spotlight and without recognition," said Langerud. "With the connection of Arik's badge number and February 22, I thought it would be the perfect day to honor everything they do for us. I'm also asking everyone to set an alarm on their phone and at 2:22 p.m., take a minute to thank God for the prayers that He has answered for Arik so far, to pray his recovery continues to go smoothly, and to pray for the safety of all law enforcement officials."

The man who allegedly shot Matson made his first court appearance in early February.

"Officer Matson's shooting affected not just Waseca, but the entire state," said Sen. Jasinski, who represents Waseca. "It is easy to tell how much he means to his community by the huge outpouring of support, the organic efforts to honor him, such as the Waseca high school hockey jerseys, and now this terrific suggestion. It is an honor to be a small part of this tribute, not just to Officer Matson, but to every law enforcement officer and first responder protecting our communities."

After weeks of recovery Matson is walking with assistance, speaking, and eating solid foods again, according to his family.

The mayor of Albert Lea has also announced a similar day in Matson's honor. The idea was first brought to the senators by Matson's uncle, Gary Langerud.