Category: #ThankACop

This week, I want to introduce you to an officer who, over the course of her career, has worked to build bridges within her community and make a real difference with her badge. Especially in today’s climate, her work is greatly appreciated!

Commander Suwana Kirkland, a mother to five children ages 9 through 27 and resident of Rogers, came to the law enforcement profession later in life. After working in real estate in her early 20s, she attended Minneapolis Community and Technical College and earned a degree in psychology. Following her work at Hennepin County Medical Center, she took her passion for and interest in criminal justice and started off her law enforcement career as a trailblazer in 2005 when she became the first African American officer to serve in the Minnetonka Police Department.

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual neighborhood Nite to Unite, which is usually held in August, was postponed to October 6. And due to continued concerns surrounding COVID-19, many neighborhoods chose to hold virtual events in lieu of backyard get togethers and barbecues. In previous years, police officers and firefighters have always driven around their communities and stopped at as many neighborhood gatherings as they could so residents – especially children – could see the inside of police cars and fire trucks, meet officers and K9s, and ask questions. Officers also hand out stickers, police badges, fire hats, and ice cream coupons or other prizes. Police departments across the state have always participated in neighborhood Nite to Unite events because they are important in forming positive first impressions and creating relationships with local officers.

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Thank you for the kind and supportive messages you continue to send our law enforcement officers! We know that words can never do their remarkable service justice, but we know it is important to recognize them nonetheless. Today, I want to recognize a St. Cloud law enforcement officer who has been an asset to her department and community for over two decades.

Lieutenant Lori Ellering began her career with the St. Cloud Police Department in 1996. She worked her way up to Sergeant and now serves as a Lieutenant for Police Chief Blair Anderson. For the past 24 years, she has responded to crimes, led investigations, and worked missing persons and homicide cases with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. She has also made it a priority to build relationships within St. Cloud’s community.

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Thanks to the important work our peace officers do, families and communities across our state are safer. And though their work is often dangerous and unpredictable, law enforcement officers continue to show up to serve 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Two Crookston, MN police officers were able to save a suspect’s life last month in a dangerous situation that involved a suicide-by-cop attempt. However, due to the officers maintaining their composure and using non-lethal force, no lives were lost in the incident.

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A few weeks ago, we received another recommendation for our #ThankACop initiative, and I am excited to introduce you to this week’s officer: Carver County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Dascher! We always enjoy hearing about the good work our law enforcement officers do, so you have an officer, chief, dispatcher, sheriff, or deputy who deserves to be thanked, please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected]!

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