Law Enforcement Memorial Observances in Rochester and MN Capitol

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota's observance of Law Enforcement Memorial Day begins this evening and continues tomorrow on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Officers Walk the Thin Blue Line at State Capitol

Law enforcement officers throughout the state will walk the "Thin Blue Line" at the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial from 6 p.m. tonight through 9 p.m. Friday as members of an honor guard organized by the Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial Association. In addition to the honor guard, other law enforcement officers will stand solemn guard around the memorial fountain and lay wreaths in honor of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Rochester Midnight Piper Tradition Continues

Locally, retired Rochester Police Department Sgt. Steve Franks, who is a member of the Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band, will continue the tradition of the midnight piper by playing the bagpipes at the Southeastern Minnesota this Law Enforcement Memorial in Soldiers Field Memorial Park beginning at the stroke of midnight. The tradition of the midnight piper dates back to the early 1990s, when an individual piper played three verses of "Amazing Grace" to signify the beginning of the Law Enforcement Memorial Day observances.

Olmsted County Deputies to Be Honored Friday

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office will honor two of its fallen deputies on Friday. A news release from the Sheriff's Office says a wreath will be laid for Deputy Jack Werner at noon, and another wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. in honor of Detention Deputy Mark Anderson. Deputy Werner was killed in the line of duty on May 17, 1977, while Deputy Anderson died in the line of duty in April 2021.

Photo courtesy of Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of Southeastern Minnesota

Regional Memorial Ceremony Scheduled Monday Evening

A regional memorial program is scheduled to take place Monday evening at the Southeastern Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial. The event, organized by the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of Southeastern Minnesota, will honor 45 police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, along with federal agents and military police officers from the region who have died in the line of duty and whose names are inscribed on the memorial. The program will begin at 6 p.m.