The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office deputy Kaitie Leising’s passing made Minnesota and Western Wisconsin the scene of the fourth officer slain in the line of duty in the previous four weeks. Law enforcement officials describe it as a “disturbing trend.”
Arik Matson, a former Waseca police officer who suffered serious injuries while performing his duties in 2020, was married to Megan Matson. “I don’t know what’s going on with the world, but something’s got to change,” she said.
“Every day we put on that uniform, we expect to come home,” said Arik, who was shot in the head while responding to a routine call. “But the reality is it isn’t happening like it used to,” he added. “It makes my heart ache.”
The Wisconsin Professional Police Association reports that Leising’s death makes 2023 the year in which Wisconsin has lost the most law enforcement personnel—four—since 2000.
In my whole career, I have never seen anything like this trend, according to retired St. Paul police chief Todd Axtell.
After 34 years of service to the city of St. Paul, Axtell retired in 2022. He currently owns the Axtell Group, a private law enforcement consulting organization.
“You go to a routine call and end up in a gun battle,” Axtell added. “It’s just something we haven’t seen at this level in a very long time,” the researcher said.
We must consider how we arrived at this position, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said in a statement. Criminals confront law police with deadly force because they are unafraid. Political leaders are simultaneously promoting “reform” ideas that will make public safety officials’ jobs less safe.
Since so many spouses of police enforcement have reached out in response to the latest news, Megan Matson is now offering her support to them. She gave Deputy Leising’s family a special message this evening:
“I’m sorry you were forced to join the statistics. It should never have happened, the speaker argued. Even if it seems like it is at your darkest hours, you are not alone.
Condolences for Fallen Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising of St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office:
Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising of the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office was shot and killed Saturday while serving the community she swore to protect.
The NYPD extends our condolences & support to the family, friends, & coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Leising during this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/FG7zDYEfXC
— Edward A. Caban (@NYPDPC) May 8, 2023
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