Congressman Emmer gathers area law enforcement officials

U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer, R-Minnesota, hosted on May 13 a roundtable discussion with law enforcement officials from across Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District at the Wright County Law Enforcement Center in Buffalo.

“Every day, law enforcement officers head out to work, never quite sure what the next call may bring. Unfortunately, we have seen the dangerous reality law enforcement officers face hit very close to home. As we recognize National Police Week, it was great to sit down with law enforcement leaders from the 6th District to hear directly how we can best support our men and women in blue,” Emmer said.

The roundtable participants included Emmer, Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer, St. Cloud Police Chief Jeffrey Oxton, Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott, Howard Lake Chief of Police David Thompson, Sartell Chief of Police Brandon Silgjord, Ramsey Chief of Police Jeff Katers, Sherburne County Chief Deputy Steve Doran, and Chaska Police Lt. Chris George.

The discussion covered a range of topics, including mental health resource allocation, officer recruitment and retention, and the opioid crisis plaguing communities across Minnesota.

Brott said law enforcement officials appreciate the annual meeting with Emmer to discuss emerging issues such as wellness and recruitment issues. He also noted the additional funding and grant money available for enhanced wellness programs for first responders is timely and needed.

“Officers see things that are not normal at a high rate of frequency and can be involved in traumatic situations,” Brott said. “Law enforcement officers are not immune to developing PTSD issues due to the hazards of the job. This can have a cumulative effect on the officers’ wellness over the course of their career.”