Wright County will honor its law enforcement officers from May 12-18 during Law Enforcement Officers Week, coinciding with the national event established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The Wright County Board of Commissioners underscored their appreciation for the officers' commitment and the sacrifices made by some in the line of duty with this proclamation at their May 7 meeting, according to a release on the county's website.
The proclamation arrives at a time when Wright County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Matt Treichler noted that incidents involving officer shootings have seen a worrying uptick with four such occurrences within just the past three years, this disruption follows a 14-year period of relative peace and stability, "In 2022 we had two shooting incidents and already in 2024, we’ve had two more after going 14 years with none" Treichler told county board, expressing concern over this disturbing trend. Despite the increased danger, the community still considers Wright County a safe place to live, in part due to the strong bond forged between law enforcement and residents.
During Law Enforcement Officers Week, officials will also remember the fallen heroes who have served in Wright County. Names such as Constable Charles Albert Washburn and Sheriff James H. Kreitlow are inscribed in the annals of the county's history — officers who gave their lives while serving their community. Details about those honored can be found on the county's website.
The annual schedule for Law Enforcement Officers Week includes a candlelight vigil that took place on Monday, May 13, at a time when Treichler remarked, "Our Sheriff’s Office has worked a long time to build relationships with the communities we serve and I think that is why we haven’t seen the critical shortage of officers that so many other agencies are struggling with" highlighting the importance of community ties and the week's role in acknowledging these officers' dedication. To learn more about the week and the associated events, the public can visit the National Police Week website.
