The recent shooting of our friend, Arik Matson, has been a shock to our community. As police wives, our minds often bounce back and forth and are filled with “what ifs.” I’ve always tried to tell myself that this is a small town and nothing bad will happen here. Thinking the worst is exhausting, and I think many of us try to shove those negative thoughts aside. However, the harsh reality is that we need to be prepared for the worst at all times. Jan. 6, 2020, will forever be a night that we, as a law enforcement family, will not forget. Text messages and phone calls come pouring in, and they all start to blur together. Officer shot, in the head, critical condition, Waseca, Arik — message after message. I know that myself and many others felt our hearts sink. Feelings of helplessness, anxiety, anger, worry. I cannot even begin to fathom the thoughts that entered Megan’s mind when she received that knock on the door.

It’s a small town. It won’t happen here. Not to us. Right? The truth is, it can happen anywhere.

The very next day, I was absolutely amazed by the outpouring of support for Arik, his family, his friends and the overall community. Fundraisers, blue lights, blue ribbons, blue clothing, prayers, etc. Thank you! Even if you think it’s just a little thing, to us it’s huge. So keep those blue porch lights on, keep flying that thin blue line flag, and most of all, keep praying. Those things that you might think are small, mean the world to many of us. My 6-year-old daughter (who does not know that Arik was shot — I can’t bring myself to instill that fear into her at this age) points at all the blue lights when we drive around town. “Mom, look! Another blue light! They must like cops.”

Albert Lea, I am proud of you. You have rallied together as a community to show your support in so many ways. You have not only impacted Arik’s family, but all of us in law enforcement families. We appreciate the support more than you’ll ever know.

Keep backing the blue for 222.

Kari Charboneau

wife of Sgt. Steve Charboneau (311)