The Stricker family of Minnesota stands as a testament to service and legacy within the Minnesota State Patrol, with Brett Stricker continuing the tradition as a chief warrant officer in the Patrol's flight section. Following in his father, Lt. Paul Stricker, and sister Brittney's footsteps, Brett's decade-long tenure began on the roads and eventually elevated him to the skies. "I'll always be known as 'Little Strick' until his partners retire," Brett told the original publication. His family's history in law enforcement seems as much a part of him as his uniform.
Stricker's path to the Patrol was well earned – despite his father's position. "The academy is hard. You gotta want the job to do it, and if you don’t really want it, you’re not gonna succeed," Paul said, according to the family's story. Brett's move from patrolling on the ground to flying overhead was a significant transition within his career, one that involved rigorous training and certification – ultimately facilitating key operations from search and rescue to pursuit mitigation.
Brett Stricker's badge number, 130, holds a special significance as it once belonged to Garrett Schloesser, a trooper and close friend of Paul who died from cancer. "I got emotional because I knew what that meant," Paul remembered after seeing the badge number assigned to his son, Brett discussed with journalists. The badge's legacy continues, not only as a marker of authority but also as a familial and community bond, echoed in the pride of the Schloesser family as they saw it carried on by someone they watched grow up.
The work of the Strickers within the State Patrol is not limited by uniforms or vehicles but is driven by a deeper, unfurling possibility that Brett advocates, "People view the State Patrol as simply a traffic organization. That is our primary goal, but there are so many things you can do here." Whether through Capitol security, K-9 units, or the flight operations that Brett is so passionate about, the Patrol offers a breadth of career paths. Meanwhile, Paul, looking forward to his retirement next year, revels in the growth and fulfillment his career has enabled – especially as he watches his son excel, "Just the proud dad moments," as he told reporters.
The Minnesota State Patrol is currently looking for individuals to join its ranks through its Traditional Program, as reported on August 4th. This initiative is particularly targeted at people with prior law enforcement experience and those who are or will be eligible under the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board by April 16, 2026. More details on this recruitment process can be found on the trooper careers page.
