January 2026-A Word of Encouragement

A Word of Encouragement

Law enforcement in Minnesota is not easy right now.
The weight is real. The scrutiny is constant.

The cost—often unseen—is high.

And yet, our officers put on the uniform each day because they chose to serve and protect their neighbors. They stand watch while most of the city sleeps. They step toward danger so others can go home safe.

Today is a new day.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23

We are grateful for those who continue to serve with integrity, courage, and resolve, even when the road is difficult. May this new day bring renewed strength, wisdom, and protection to every officer and their families.

We see you. We support you. We pray for you as you enter this new year of service to our community.  

By the Numbers

In 2025 our chaplains spent 3819 hours with our first responders and responded to 272 critical incidents throughout the year. That is over 5 traumatic events EACH WEEK all year!

As a result, 272 families in SE MN benefitted from our chaplains showing up to support them in the worst day of their lives, and continuing to walk beside them in the days following up. 

It also means that our chaplains were there to support the first responders who showed up at these scenes and ensure they were able to process and navigate what they experienced as well.

This is the core of what we do - even if there are no photos to acknowledge that part of the work. 

Rochester Fire Department 

Rochester Fire Department (RFD) held their annual remembrance on December 24th for fallen firefighters Motor Operator Ambrose Riley and Firefighter Stanley O’Brien with the ringing of the bells 5-5-5-5. Seventy-two years ago, both men lost their lives while attempting to save 9-year-old John Paul Stephenson from the icy waters of Silver Lake.

Salt & Light Partners was there to support and honor these heroes.

Bottom: The Salt & Light Partners Family Readiness & Outreach Group (FROGs) program sent a bus to the cities full of RFD families for the Firefighter appreciation night at the Wild game. They had a great turnout and wonderful evening of fellowship.

Winona Police Department

We know that a strong FROGs group is invaluable to a healthy first responder community, so we are excited to see the program take off in Winona! Kudos to Deputy Chief Rasmussen and Lead Chaplain Olson for spearheading the effort and many thanks to these spouses for jumping in to make sure it happens!

Left to right: Lead Chaplain Daniel Olson led conversations with spouses Ashley Sanders, Shelby Hofschulte, Gayle Lanning, Stacy Rasmussen, and Deputy Chief Jay Rasmussen about supporting families of LEOs and starting their own Family Readiness & Outreach Group (FROGs)

The Chaplains Show Up in the Strangest Places!

One of the many ways our chaplains connect with our first responders is to support them during training exercises and ride along during patrol.

These are opportunities to spend time in different environments and get to know our first responders even better!

Far left and middle: Chaplain Shari Cape participating in a training exercise with the SWAT team and gearing up for training.

Right: Chaplain Kelli Smith on a ride-along with DNR Officer Hauser. This fall Salt & Light started supporting the SE Minnesota region of the Department of Natural Resources where Chaplain Smith will support DNR officers across SE MN. 

Retirements

LT Craig Anderson retired this past month from the Rochester Police Department after 27 years of service. Salt & Light presented him with his retirement gift.

Salt & Light provides each retiring first responder with a hand crafted plaque to commemorate their service and it includes their name and retirement date along with the S&L and FROGs logo on a US Flag backdrop. These gifts are another way we seek to honor the service of our first responders.

Austin Police Department

The Austin Police Department also enjoyed a FROGs led family night at the Grizzlies game in Austin where Chaplain Meilke sang the national anthem and the FROGs group enjoyed the game.

Bottom photo is Chaplain Meilke, Officer Sherwood, and Lead Chaplain Goetz at the game.

Giving Back

Once again this year, our S&L Chaplains participated in Shop with Hero in Austin, and Shop with a Cop in Rochester. We also participated in the Target sponsored program Miracles and Heroes where toys are delivered to children in the hospital at Mayo Clinic. Finally, we enjoyed an opportunity to support our community through bell ringing for the Salvation Army. 

We truly enjoy coming along side our first responders in times of joy and community service to see how rewarding that aspect of service can be for them. It is a great way to support them and our communities at the same time. 

Time is Running Out!

Gala ticket sales opened on the 1st of December for our 2026 Gala on March 13th, and we have already sold 75% of the available tickets! Thank you to everyone who has tickets -we look forward to seeing you there!

If you don't have tickets, now (like right now) would be be a great time to get your tickets or table! 

Here is the LINK for tickets to purchase them online. If you have not decided who to bring, add your own info in each ticket entry and then share them electronically with your guests as you confirm them.

If you have never been, this is a wonderful night of celebration and fun. Tickets typically sell out by the end of January, so mark your calendars and plan to purchase your tickets before they sell out! 

Below are a few pictures from last year's gala - check them out!

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry.

Please always reach out with any questions or requests you might have.

With gratitude,

The Salt & Light Team