I don’t live in Fargo — and actually have never been there — but I have followed with much interest the news about the police officer who was shot and killed there during a standoff earlier this month.

Jason Moszer, 33, had been with the department for six years when he was shot while responding to a report of a domestic disturbance at a north Fargo home. He died the next day.

It was the first time a Fargo officer died from an incident while in the line of duty since 1882, and the man suspected of shooting him was found dead inside the home.

On Monday, the Fargo community came together to honor the officer, and it has been captivating for me to read the accounts and see the photographs of the support that both young and old there have given to Moszer’s fellow officers and family. Moszer and his wife had two young children.

In addition to being a police officer, Moszer had served as an Army combat medic in Iraq and Bosnia.

Thousands of people attended the officer’s funeral, and even more lined the streets for a 21-mile procession through West Fargo, Moorhead and Fargo.

People stood waving American flags and posters thanking Moszer and other officers for their service.

Some knew him personally; some didn’t. That didn’t matter. They recognized the value officers such as Moszer and others provide to the community.

As an outsider looking in, it has been amazing to see a community rally together around the department and Moszer’s family. They can teach a lot to the nation.

I would hope that the Albert Lea community would do the same thing if a tragedy like that were to happen here.

I did not know Moszer, but I do know many of the officers in our own community.

Like Moszer, most of these officers have their own families. Many are involved in their children’s sporting activities; others are involved in positive community causes. Some have military experience, and all have a dedication to their jobs.

These officers each day put their lives on the line to protect us, the people of their community.

While it is great to see the support the Fargo community has shown its police force, we should not wait until tragedy strikes to let these officers and others who put their lives on the line know they are appreciated.

Thanks for all you do.

 

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.