Letter to the Editor: Thanks, Stone Ridge Church, for recognzing police officers

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx):

"This past Sunday, law enforcement officials and staff experienced the good that exists in Winneshiek County.   In an effort to show their appreciation, Stone Ridge Community Church in Decorah held a catered Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner/Christmas party to honor anyone who serves in Winneshiek County, whether they are members of the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, Decorah or Calmar Police Department, State Patrol, DOT, DNR, or staff who support all these offices.
 
The dinner not only honored those who do the job every day, but also their families who face unique challenges day in and day out--they worry, their schedules are disrupted, and their family events are regularly put on hold because of an emergency.

The people of Stone Ridge Community Church saw the climate in which law enforcement exists in America today: one of distrust, hate and resulting violence.  They, as a church, wanted to uplift us and our community and took action.  They wanted to show us that in Winneshiek County, citizens appreciate, support and respect local law enforcement.

This is not the only form of appreciation we experienced over the Christmas season.  Multiple individuals and businesses sent food to our offices for staff to enjoy, sent cards of appreciation and offered words of encouragement and general goodwill to everyone working.
 
As Winneshiek County Sheriff, and on behalf of law enforcement in Winneshiek County, I thank Stone Ridge Community Church for their kindness.  I also thank the people who went out of their way to show their support and make a difference for us.  Winneshiek County is a special place, and we are blessed to serve among such caring and generous people.