Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Showing appreciation for those who protect and serve



DELANO, MN – Elected officials, clergy, Lions, and community members came together Wednesday evening for a common cause.

That cause was showing appreciation for area law enforcement.

More than 20 officers and their families received free meals and beverages at the law enforcement appreciation event that drew a total attendance of more than 100 people. The Delano Lions sponsored the meals, while Cal Brandt sponsored the beverages.

“Hopefully, this is the first of many events like this,” Sheriff Sean Deringer said. “It’s fantastic. It’s humbling for us to have the community showing their support.”

Lion Tracy Vetruba said he is hoping for the event to continue on an annual basis.

As a former police chief, and the current chair of the Delano Public Safety Commission, it was important to Vetruba to have an event to honor law enforcement officers.

“They’re certainly near and dear to my heart,” Vetruba said. “I appreciate officers for what they do. The sacrifice of what they go through is something I experienced firsthand.”

Deringer spoke of that sacrifice, as well.

First, he acknowledged those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Between 1884 and 1980, Wright County lost seven officers and deputies.

Three were shot, two were killed in car crashes, and two suffered heart attacks while on duty.

With no line-of-duty deaths in the last 39 years, Wright County is experiencing its longest stretch of time without an officer fatality, a stretch that Deringer would like to see continue indefinitely.

He noted that 2018 marked the second year in which there were more suicides than line-of-duty deaths.

“I think now it is more important than ever for us to receive support, not only from our families and coworkers, but from the greater community itself,” Deringer said. “ . . . There’s a great deal of hurt. How much pressure and how much pain can you put on someone’s shoulders? We need support from good people like you to come up, shake our hands, and thank us for a job well done or simply ask . . . ‘How are you doing?’”

He said he and his staff have always felt very appreciated and are grateful for that support.

Upon taking the office of sheriff in January, he started a file of thank yous from the community.

It currently has 20 letters in it, including one from a woman who was mourning the loss of her mother when she was pulled over by a deputy. She started out upset, but ended up being impressed by the compassion the deputy showed her and her family, she told Deringer.

Deringer called law enforcement a noble calling and quoted Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Fr. Nathan LaLiberte, of the Parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe, also referenced Scripture as he thanked the law enforcement officers in the room.

“One of the things that unite us as human beings is the fact of what heroic love looks like, what heroic service looks like: laying down one’s life for the benefit of another,” LaLiberte said.

He added that laying down one’s life for others does not have to be one final, heroic action, but that it can happen on a daily basis. He listed a variety of ways in which law enforcement personnel do that.

“In a very real way, you are laying down your life on a daily basis in service to this community,” LaLiberte said.

He led a moment of silence in honor of those who have laid down their lives for their common man.

It was fitting to do so, as Wednesday was Peace Officers Memorial Day, in the middle of Police Week.

About 12 officers from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office were keeping vigil at the peace officer memorial in St. Paul as part of the recognition.

Rep. Joe McDonald, R-Delano, shared a resolution that the Minnesota House passed and that he signed.

The resolution recognized officers for their devotion, selflessness, and patriotic service in protecting the lives and property of others and giving the country freedom from fear of violence and civil disorder.

“It’s easy to make laws,” McDonald said. “It’s tough to enforce them. I am grateful for those who serve.”

Delano Mayor Dale Graunke also expressed gratitude.

“The real big thing I see from law enforcement is, when we need them, they’re there,” Graunke said. “It’s that comforting feeling of, ‘I got your back.’ You know it will be OK because they’re there and they really care . . . We depend on them. Thank God they’re here.”

As Delano Fire Chief Bob Van Lith spoke, he joked that it was an easy decision to make to address those at the event.

“It’s the first time I get cops to listen to me,” he said with a smile, before adding later, “It’s been an honor to serve with you. You do need a pat on the back. That’s what it’s all about.”

Many businesses also showed their appreciation by donating door prizes, with every officer receiving at least one prize.

Vetruba said he was happy both with the support and the turnout at the event. He noted that the date might be moved in future years so officers who stand guard at the memorial might be able to attend it in the future.

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