October 2025 - Fall Celebrations
Law Enforcement Memorial Dedication
Lead RPD Chaplain Kwasi Kyeremeh and Lead OCSO Chaplain Larry Orth were honored to attend in support and give the benediction for the dedication of the new Law Enforcement Memorial at Soldiers Field.
By the Numbers
Our chaplains have spent 310 hours with our first responders and responded to 14 critical incidents just in the last four weeks.
That means 14 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 Women's Fire Expo to expose more women to the role of a firefighter and increase their engagement in the field. The day was organized by RFD Firefighter Mandy Marx.
Salt & Light Partners was there to support and provide a meal for all of the firefighters and participants.
Bottom Left: S&L FROGS hosted a family academy for the new firefighter families this past month. Bottom Right: Chaplain Jorden Johnson presenting the Salt & Light plaque to Retiring Captain Craig Connelly after 21 years of service with the department.
Time Sensitive - Please Nominate Us!
Scheels is running a HALLOWEEN GIVING CAMPAIGN and we'd love for you to nominate us! This is a super simple way to support us that can make a real difference.
From Scheels' Facebook page:
We’re excited to give back this Halloween, but we need YOUR help! Nominate your favorite local nonprofit for a chance they will receive one of THREE $1,000 donations!
Here’s how to participate:
1. Click this link and complete the form.
2. Tag your favorite local nonprofit in the comments for an extra entry!
Don’t miss out! You have until October 30th to submit your nominations. On October 31st, we’ll surprise THREE chosen nonprofits with a $1,000 donation from SCHEELS. Let’s make this Halloween a time of giving!
Please consider nominating and tagging Salt & Light Partners!
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
In October, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office held an awards and promotions event. Chaplain Shari Cape offered the invocation and all of our OCSO chaplains were in attendance to encourage and support their deputies.
Bottom left: Chaplain Shari Cape. Center: New Deputies Swearing In Bottom right: Chaplains Orth, Cape and Spencer with Sheriff Torgerson
Rochester Police Department Family Academy
Congratulations to the newest RPD officers!
The Salt & Light Partners Family Readiness and Outreach Group (FROGs) program is honored to host the Family Academy for each new group of officers and their families.
This initiative is integral to helping to equip and prepare the families of the new officers for the realities of life as a police family member. The program has been incredibly well received by the family members and their officers.
Pictured top: The new class of officers with their RPD Chaplains. Bottom left: RPD Police Chief Jim Franklin. Bottom right: The spouses and leaders of the RPD FROGs group hosting a panel discussion.
Suicide Prevention
Far too often our chaplain's work involves comforting families who have lost someone to suicide.
We were glad to be invited to participate in three events this month designed to increase awareness and prevent suicides in our community.
The first was organized by Aidan's Light, the second was Octoberfest by Haley Comfort Systems and the third was the Rochester Out of the Darkness walk.
From providing an invocation, to sharing how we can support and help with a booth at the resource fair, it is all an opportunity to share about the ways in which we can support both our first responders and the community in moments of crisis.
Top: S&L table with Board member Ken Dose and Chaplain Shari Cape. Bottom left: Jen Hegge (Aiden's mom) and Program Coordinator Stef Donaldson. Bottom right: Chaplain Jorden Johnson providing the invocation at the walk.
Partnering with Ramer Retirement
Pictured above from left to right: Carroll Ramer, Board Chair Christine Beech, Executive Director George Beech, Logan Ramer.
Ramer Retirement has partnered with Salt & Light Partners!
This past week, owner Carroll Ramer introduced us as their nonprofit partner and provided an opportunity for us to share about our mission at their annual client appreciation event.
We met so many amazing and generous supporters, and Carroll graciously offered to double any donations we received from the event!
This was a wonderful evening and we are humbled and grateful for this partnership!
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for the annual Heart for Heroes Gala on March 13th 2026!
Gala ticket sales will open on the 1st of December for our 2026 Gala.
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!
Around Town
Left: Congratulations! The Austin Police Department swore in their newest police officer - Officer Joseph Huderle. Welcome!
Right: Our staff had a great time volunteering for Pinnacle Catering in support of the annual Mayo Clinic Appreciation Day. In return, Pinnacle will donate back to Salt & Light as a thank you!
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