National Police Week May 15

By Brenda Erdahl

Wright County Commissioners recognized the week of May 15th as National Police Week at their regular meeting, Tuesday, May 7.

This annual event has recognized the service and sacrifice of U.S. Law Enforcement for the past 62 years. Established by Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

In Wright County, seven law enforcement officers have lost their lives since 1884 including: Constable Charles Albert Washburn (age 35) who died of gunshot wounds he sustained while attempting to arrest a man for domestic assault on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1884; Sheriff John C. Nugent Jr. (age 47) who was shot and killed on Saturday, July 22, 1922 when a shop owner mistook him for a burglar; Marshal Rudolph Maurer (age 35) who was shot and killed by trespassers on Thursday, Nov. 23, 1922; Sheriff Paul Kritzeck (age 67) who was killed in a car crash while responding to a call, Thursday, August 16, 1951; Sheriff James H. Kreitlow (age 37) who died of a heart attack while serving civil papers on Aug. 8, 1963; Chief George Ryti (age 72) who died on Sept. 16, 1977 as a result of injuries incurred eight years earlier when a suspected drunk driver broadside his car during a pursuit; Deputy Sheriff Roger Ervin Wrobbel (age 42) who suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday, Dec. 21, 1980 when conducting a search and rescue mission on Lake Pulaski near Buffalo.

Chief Deputy Matt Treichler read the resolution to the board that declares, “law enforcement officers of Wright County have worked devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the people of this county and the State of Minnesota regardless of peril or hazard to themselves. These officers have safeguarded the lives and property of their fellow citizens and by the enforcement of our laws, these same officers have given our county internal freedom from fear of violence and civil disorder. These men and women of law enforcement, by their patriotic service and their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of our community.”

Commissioners agreed this was a very worthwhile celebration and all those involved in law enforcement in the county deserve a pat on the back.

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