ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. – This week, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office held their annual awards ceremony, honoring deputies who exceeded the call of duty. Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart commended 14 deputies and detectives.
“It’s safe to say that each and every day someone within this organization in one of their roles or capacities does something exceptional by merely performing the duties of their job,” mentioned Sheriff Stuart.
Three of the deputies were honored for their response to a tragic call. They were heading to a home in Andover because of a suicidal male. When they arrived, they found that the man had died in his car in the driveway, and his wife was inside the home operating a daycare at the time.
“After securing the scene, deputies Travis Bolles, Brian Pearson, and Justin Melson contacted the wife and advised her what happened in the driveway. Understandably, she was distraught and in no condition to care for the eight toddlers in the daycare,” commented Sheriff Stuart.
The deputies went above and beyond their duties by playing games with the children, watching movies, and buying the children lunch out of their own pockets. By the end of the day the children and the deputies were on a first name basis.
“Their actions shielded young children from potential emotional trauma,” said Sheriff Stuart.
These three deputies received certificates of recognition for the caring and protection they provided to the children.
Several others were honored for their actions as well, receiving office commendations and medals of merit.
