May 14-20 is National Police Week and Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen invites everyone in the Faribault community to stop by the department Tuesday for an open house.

The event will be from 3-5PM at the department, at 25 Northwest Fourth St.

Tours of the department will be conducted, and visitors will be able to meet with officers, see a squad car and the Mobile Command Unit. An ASL interpreter will be available.

Bohlen said, "The community has provided us with a great facility, equipment, and support, and we wanted to take this opportunity to open our doors and welcome the public in."

Elks Lodge #1166 will be serving hot dogs and handing out drug awareness information. McGruff the Crime Dog and Elroy the Elk will be there for the kids. Other refreshments will also be served and there will be a drawing for child booster seats.

That's Tuesday, May 16, from 3-5PM.

Monday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day, signed into law on October 1, 1961, by President John F. Kennedy. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, more than 19,000 officers have made the supreme sacrifice.

The Faribault Police Department has lost three officers in the line of duty.

  • On October 3, 1876, Officer Henry Kaepernick was approaching the city hall and was ordered to stop by a guard. The jail was housing the Younger brothers awaiting trial for the Northfield Bank robbery. Kaepernick opened his jacket to show his badge and the guard shot and killed him because he thought the Faribault police officer was reaching for his gun.
  • On January 2, 1883, Faribault Police Chief David Shipley was responding to a domestic disturbance. The chief attempted to disarm and arrest the suspect and a struggle ensued and he was shot. Shipley died six days later from his injuries.
  • On March 5, 1895, Officer Louis Joachim captured a dog that had been threatening people. While holding the dog, it bit him. After complaining of pain and discomfort, he was found to have all the symptoms of rabies. After two months of suffering he died on May 6, 1895.
Faribault Police Building-photo by Gordy Kosfeld
Faribault Police Building-photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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