Sheriff’s Office Newsletter - May 2021

May 2021 newsletter (Volume 7, Issue 5)

To view each of the different stories in the May 2021 newsletter (Volume 7, Issue 5), please click on the tabs below.

A Note from Sheriff Torgerson

I can’t help at this time to reflect further back than a month. Two subjects manifested themselves in our lives both personally and professionally. The death of George Floyd and conviction of Derek Chauvin, a former police officer, has truly affected our profession in many ways and possibly others yet to be determined. It again shows how the actions of one in our profession has an astounding effect on the whole. Our communities held their breath, as did we, while verdicts were read. Would it be the right or wrong verdict? Would our communities come together or explode? These events and other recent tragic deaths have caused some in our communities and now legislators at the state and national levels to call for sweeping changes to law enforcement. Calls to cease enforcement, reform, re-imagine, defund, disarm law enforcement and more have been made throughout the year. Most of these suggestions and now legislation is being developed without the involvement of the professionals of which the vast majority are good, hardworking, community-centered and caring individuals. On one hand this past year, we heard repeatedly to listen to the experts - scientists and others to battle the scourge of COVID; but as we hear more and more about law enforcement reform, the law enforcement professionals are left out of the discussion. Some focus on isolated events blaming law enforcement; others see social, parental, educational and community issues as equally important issues that drive these tragic events. If we are to make change, then let’s make change together and stop villainizing an entire profession.

Much has been said about COVID-19 over the past year. I encourage all to get their shots so we can get back to a more normal society.

Deputy Mark E. Anderson, End of Watch (EOW) April 15th, 2021 will be a day etched into the history of our office. The family, dear friends and colleagues he left behind will always remember him.  Mark joins, Deputy Jack Werner, EOW: May 17th, 1977 as the only other member of our office to die in the line of duty.  May God bless you, Mark, and care for your loved ones.

Our Brother, Our Friend

Captain Macey Tesmer

On Thursday, April 15th the ADC was dealt a significant blow when one of their own passed away suddenly while at work. Mark Anderson, also known as Big Mark, started his career with Olmsted County working at the JDC. When significant changes were made there, Mark decided to come to the ADC in 2010. Mark was a Detention Deputy and was currently working as a Program Deputy, delivering programs to detainees, and working with our volunteers.

At work, Mark was a very private person, but always willing to lend his ear and support to anyone who needed it. He was helpful not only to the detainees but to his co-workers as well. Mark had an amazing impact on others. An impact that I don’t think he even knew he had. Co-workers that have been in the ADC for less than a year have commented on how helpful Mark was and always willing to mentor them. Mark adapted to change but was also willing to give feedback based on his experiences.

Privately Mark was surrounded by his friends. He was caring with his co-workers and always willing to listen to others and be supportive of them. Mark was a big MN sports fan and enjoyed spending time on his deck. Mark’s life was remembered and celebrated on April 22.

Our hearts are broken at the loss of a great man, friend, co-worker and brother. Mark will not be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.

Marcotte Retires after 28 Years

Captain Macey Tesmer

On April 25 Detention Deputy Doug Marcotte officially retired from the ADC. Doug started with the jail in 1992. He was a part of the transition team that worked on policy, procedures and training for all the staff when they moved from the old jail to the then-new Adult Detention Center. Doug played many roles in the ADC including being an FTO, ADS and shift Sgt. He worked in several different areas including the work release facility and programs. Doug has seen a lot of changes in his 20 plus years of service in the ADC and has plenty of stories to share about how things were in the “old” days.

For many years Doug was the president or vice president of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. A group that worked on wage negotiation and advocated for staff both in the ADC and on the law enforcement side of the Sheriff’s office. This was a voluntary position and at many times a difficult one.

Now that Doug has decided to hang up his uniform he will be spending as much time as he can doing one of the things he loves most and that is fishing. He will also spend time with his little princess, his dog Chloe.

Congrats, Doug - enjoy!

Volunteers Return to the Adult Detention Center

Captain Macey Tesmer

For years the Adult Detention Center (ADC) has relied on volunteers to provide programming for the detainees. Programming is done to better the detainees while they are in custody and includes a multitude of topics including self-help, religious and substance abuse programs. Prior to the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the ADC had over 100 volunteers that were providing programming. These volunteers are extremely valuable to the ADC and we greatly appreciate each and every one of them.

In March of 2020 everyone’s world changed with the outbreak. That included the ADC which suddenly had an empty library and classrooms. It also meant no meaningful interactions for the detainees with members of our community who volunteer their personal time to come to the ADC for the detainees. Everyone’s health and safety had to take priority, and this meant not allowing others, that were not ADC staff, to enter the facility.

Now a year later, with vaccinations available to everyone, it is time to start getting back to some sense of normal. We are starting to offer programming again slowly in the ADC still being cautious and keeping measures in place to keep the detainees safe. In April we started back Christian videos and having volunteers come in to conduct library. We have had some other religious and re-entry programming going on prior to this month and school resumed several months ago. Our goal is to continue to increase what is being offered and to find a way to offer virtual programming as well.

Seat Belt Challenge!

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) at Byron High School held a Seat Belt Challenge in April. A Seal Belt Challenge is a competition designed to educate teen drivers about the dangers of traveling unbelted Deputy Tom Olson, who is the School Resource Deputy, was the official.

You can learn more about the Seat Belt Challenge—MN Toward Zero Deaths.

Superhero Day

Hy-Vee dropped by with box lunches for the Sheriff’s Office in honor of Superhero Day on April 28th. Thank you, Hy-Vee—it was very thoughtful and greatly appreciated!

Monthly Snapshot - Firearm Permits

Captain Macey Tesmer

Permits to Purchase - First Quarter Comparison	2020 - 399	2021 - 469
Permit to Carry - First Quarter Comparison	2020 - 266	2021 - 714

Dates of Interest

Note—these are regular dates—please verify these meetings are taking place as well as the forum they’ll be held in.

May 3

Oronoco Township Meeting

Pleasant Grove Township Meeting

Quincy Township Meeting

Rochester City Council Meeting

May 4

Elmira Township Meeting

High Forest Township Meeting

Olmsted County Board Meeting

May 5

Salem Township Meeting

May 6

Dover City Council Meeting

May 10

Cascade Township Meeting

Chatfield City Council Meeting

Orion Township Meeting

Rock Dell Township Meeting

May 11

Byron City Council Meeting

Marion Township Meeting

New Haven Township Meeting

Stewartville City Council Meeting

May 13

Eyota City Council Meeting

Rochester Township Meeting

May 17

Eyota Township Meeting

Kalmar Township Meeting

Rochester City Council Meeting

May 18

Farmington Township Meeting

Oronoco City Council Meeting

Pine Island City Council Meeting

Olmsted County Board Meeting

May 19

Haverhill Township Meeting

May 24

Chatfield City Council Meeting

Dover Township Meeting

Viola Township Meeting

May 25

Byron City Council Meeting

Stewartville City Council Meeting

May 27

Eyota City Council Meeting

Olmsted County Fire Meeting

Olmsted County Township Association Meeting

Senior Administration

Sheriff

Kevin Torgerson