When something tragic happens involving people in Albert Lea or Freeborn County, it only takes a matter of a few minutes for people to jump into action to support their neighbors.

It was no surprise to see that happen again Tuesday as friends and community members of Waseca Police Department Officer Arik Matson stepped up to offer Matson and his family prayers and monetary donations.

Matson was shot Monday night while responding with three other officers to a report of a suspicious person behind a residence in Waseca. He is in critical, but stable, condition, according to authorities Tuesday morning.

Matson has a long history in the Albert Lea area and with law enforcement, particularly, starting with his father, who is retired from the Albert Lea Police Department. Following his father, he started at the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Wells and New Richland police departments before starting in Waseca in 2013. He, his wife and their two children live in Freeborn.

Because of all of these connections and Matson’s involvement on the Freeborn Fire Department and Freeborn City Council, the family knows many people.

We are lucky to live in a community that cares about our neighbors and is not afraid to step into action.

Whether it was donations through a GoFundMe page, Hy-Vee offering customers to round up their orders to the family, others selling T-shirts or people simply offering words of encouragement, it was heartwarming to see.

We encourage the community to continue to support this family and others who may be affected by this incident.

There is still a long road ahead.