The Albert Lea community lost two strong leaders this week with the departure of Albert Lea Salvation Army Capts. Jim and Lee Brickson. The community is stronger having had their leadership here, and we wish them good luck in their new assignment in Brooklyn Center. 

The Bricksons moved here almost eight years ago at the onset of a recession on their first assignment right out of Salvation Army officer training.

During their time here, they brought awareness to the ever-present needs surrounding hunger and poverty in our community, started a meal program, provided help across Freeborn County after the June 17, 2010, tornadoes and even started support groups for people who had lost their jobs.

Jim Brickson, who at first glance was known for riding a motorcycle and having tattoos, wowed the community and others across the nation and even the world when he set out to break a record for consecutive hours of bell-ringing in December 2013.

Brickson sought the record as a way to bring the community together and in turn raise awareness about the Salvation Army and its annual red kettle campaign.

The competition ultimately ended in a three-way tie with Brickson and two others ringing for 105 hours.

There were many from the community at Northbridge Mall that evening Brickson passed the previous world record of 80 hours, and it was exciting to see Albert Lea once again featured in news stories all around.

The Bricksons believed in the community and influenced many, not only temporally but spiritually as well.

That was clear Sunday during a farewell party for the Bricksons at the Fairlane Building attended by about 200 people from all walks of life. Many shared stories about the couple’s influence on their lives.

We wish to add our best wishes to those given that day.