Grand Forks Holds Respect For Law Award Luncheon

Respect for Law is an Optimist event for many clubs around the nation. As the title suggests, the event inspires a healthy admiration for local law enforcement officials.

This year we had representation from six law enforcement entities which included: MN Highway Patrol represented by Trooper Dave Eischens, ND Highway Partol represented by Captain Gary Orluck, Polk County Sheriff's Department represented by Sergeant Walt Keller, Grand Forks Police Department represented by Chief John Packett, UND Police Deparment represented by Chief Duane Czapiewski, and East Grank Forks Police Department represented by Detective Rick Blazek.

Each agency was presented a plaque for their law enforcement efforts-especially those relating to youth. The Grand Forks Sheriff's Department also received an award but was unable to attend the luncheon. They were presented the award at a later date.

Additional awards were presented by the Safe Communities Coalition to officers who have placed a working emphasis in the following areas: most child restraint citations (award presented to Officer Derik Zimmel with 17 citations in 2002), most seat belt citations (awaaard presented to Trooper Raynard Trochmann with 176 citations in 2002), most impaired driving citations (awards were presented to Officer Travis Jacobson and Officer Kelly Janke with 33 arrest each in 2002), and any officer who is currently a certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician (award presented to the only certified CPS technician, Offficer Jennifer Lammers).

The Respect for Law luncheon also featured a competitive game of Jeopardy. The winning agency received a 0 donation to the charity of their choice. The ND Highway patrol was the winning agency and a check was presented to the Make a Wish foundation.

All in all, the event was a success. The Grand Forks Optimist Club and the Red River Valley Community Action Safe Communities Coalition are looking forward to next year's Respect for Law event.

Ann Deplazes, Co-chair
Sadie Ripley, Co-chair