ANOKA – The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is putting together a different way to remember officers who have died in the line of duty.
Typically, a ceremony to remember the sacrifice of fallen officers is held at the government center in Anoka in mid-May. It’s part of National Police Week. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheriff James Stuart told Anoka County commissioners that service won’t happen, but Stuart hopes people will still take the time to recognize how law enforcement officers work to serve others.
“And as if their normal shifts weren’t daunting enough, these days also brings them on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating even greater risks to their health, their safety, and their families,” said Stuart. “While they are used to confronting danger and battling the fear, they now have the added concern of bringing the virus to their own homes at the end of the shift.”
Instead of the ceremony, the Sheriff’s Office is working to move recognition of officers to social media this year. National Police Week begins on May 10.
