In these unprecedented times I am so PROUD of our hometown police force. The
SPPD has acted with utmost professionalism in the face of many very difficult
challenges. Responding to 85 fires that saw our local businesses looted and
burned to the ground and also responding to all of the 911 calls. I personally
had a chance to talk to several SPPD officers over this last week, and their
positive attitude towards community service really made me PROUD! The police
force over in the other city to our west could learn a thing or two from the
outstanding aw enforcement leadership we all saw in the last few days from St.
Paul Police Department and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office!
The success of our police department in St. Paul is not just a one off event,
but one that has been developed over many years of community engagement and
interaction with the numerous ethnic groups that make St. Paul a rich and
diverse place to live!
One SPPD officer that I talked to explained some history that described his
mindset. He explained that in the past law enforcement had been used by
political leaders as a political tool for racial divide and control. Like the
enforcement of the Jim Crow or segregation laws in the South. Never should any
law enforcement agency or unit of government be abused in this manner for
racial discrimination.
I also have many good friends on the police department in the city located to
the west of St. Paul. They are hurting also, as they take their oath seriously
and strive to serve their city as professional law enforcement officers. It is
the political leaders of that city who for the past 40+ years have failed their
citizens.
In many ways we have been spoiled here in St. Paul, as our police department
has been very proactive is so many ways, as they lead by example. We are lucky
to have the dedicated men and woman we have in our police department. I have
seen their dedication to their profession in our ever evolving world.
As a lifelong citizen of St. Paul, I am genuinely PROUD of our SPPD officers
and I pray for their safety daily.
SPPD I stand with you in these most difficult times and most importantly THANK
YOU for your dedicated service to our community!
John Krenik
St. Paul, MN