A police officer’s day-to-day duties are about much more than writing citations for this offense or that offense.
On one day those duties may involve being the first person on scene at a 9-1-1 call where an individual is having a heart attack and the officer’s use of the AED machine saves that person’s life.
Another day it may mean bringing a huge smile to a child’s face because he or she just received a sticker from the officer for being safe and wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle.
On March 31, Lonsdale Police Chief Jason Schmitz gave the Lonsdale City Council his annual year in review report for 2021.
Though the report highlights statistics such as crime and other incidents, it does not quantify the positives such as these or the appreciation that members of the department have for the community in which it serves.
During his report, though Schmitz reported the statistics, he focused his attentions more on expressing his gratitude for the supportive community and the accomplishments of his staff over the past year.
“Given the ‘defund the police’ movement in 2020 and 2021, the officers and staff with the Lonsdale Police Department have been very blessed to work for a community that has been very supportive throughout the years,” Schmitz said. “We very much appreciate the thank you cards, letters, and donations received throughout the year.”
Schmitz added that it was great to be able to get together again during the year for a variety of events and be able to meet new people within the community.
Of the events he mentioned, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new...
To see more on this story pick up the April 21, 2022 print edition of The New Prague Times or the Montgomery Messenger.