In Saint Paul, a new chapter in police department history has been penned with the promotion of Sergeant Ler Htoo. A mere decade after moving to the Twin Cities from a refugee camp in Thailand, Htoo has climbed the ranks to become the first Karen sergeant in the force.
The promotion, marked by a ceremony yesterday where Chief Axel Henry adorned Htoo's uniform with the new badge, was hailed as a "real success story." The historic moment was not lost on the Karen community, who have seen one of their own ascend to a position of significant responsibility and visibility. The Saint Paul Police Department shared the news and ceremonies festivities on their official Facebook page, congratulating Sergeant Htoo and expressing gratitude for his service and dedication to the community.
Htoo's story serves as an inspiration, his journey from a Thailand refugee camp to Saint Paul's local hero aptly demonstrates the diversity and inclusion that the city strives for. The SPPD has reflected on this ethos in recent years, endeavoring to build a force that mirrors the community it serves. With Htoo's promotion, they've edged closer to that goal, acknowledging the significance of representation within their ranks.
The full ceremony of Htoo's promotion can be watched online, a momentous occasion for the Karen community and for all those who champion diversity in public service. Chief Axel Henry, expressing his admiration in the context of the ceremony, called Ler Htoo a “real success story." The department's gesture didn't go unnoticed, with community members offering their congratulations and well wishes across social media platforms.
Htoo himself has not publicly commented on his promotion, but the pride was evident in his bearing during the ceremony. The Saint Paul Police Department continues to foster a culture of inclusivity, and with Htoo’s new rank, they have reiterated their commitment to diversity and community representation.
