During this time of unrest and disruption involving the police, I feel that it is the perfect time to praise and congratulate officers in Albert Lea.

My youngest grandson, Dominic Wadding, is fascinated by police officers. He is 4 and ever since he was 3 he said he is going to be an officer. A little over a week ago, officers Taylor and Wilson had a call close to the home of my son, Steve, and Dominic was wild about the officers parking their vehicles next to their house. After their business was taken care of, the officers spent time speaking with Dominic and his brother and sister, Gerika and Izaak Mudra. They allowed Dominic to sit in the vehicle and explained all the workings in the vehicle. They showed them the handcuffs and explained and answered all the questions three little children can throw at a person.

This small gesture on the part of officer Sage-Taylor and officer Wilson really made a big impact on the children that I don’t think they will ever forget. This is really the way the public should remember the police. We have been attempting to stress on all of the grandchildren that the police are your friends. These two officers went out of their way to prove that and make three childrens’ day.

Of course, their mother, Jen Mudra, took a lot of pictures and videos. I think these officers need to be thanked and commemorated for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit with children and give them good memories of the police — not the bad images shown on the news. Thank you to the officers from a grateful grandmother.

 

Connie Wadding 

Albert Lea