I would like to address and point out a few reasons and aspects as to why Kurt Freitag is the best choice and right direction for the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. I worked in law enforcement for 29 years with the Albert Lea Police Department. I’ve witnessed both candidates as deputies and in an assortment of different calls and situations. From my observations and working in the same building as Freitag for the 19 years he has been an employee of Freeborn County, he has exhibited a solid work ethic, professionalism, willingness to help and has always been a leader among new officers.

Kurt has been accused of so-called dodging calls and taking extended times to work a case. I would argue that Kurt works cases thoroughly, investigates the case and writes a good report on the incident. It is better to work a case to its full extent and give the victim or business your utmost effort than to have less than your full involvement. Citizens deserve an officer that puts his best foot forward to help with their problem or situation.

Kurt is very approachable and someone who was a good resource for young officers both on the Albert Lea Police Department and Sheriff’s Office. Kurt has worked the patrol aspect of law enforcement and understands what it takes to be successful as a law enforcement professional in this challenging career.

Working alongside the Sheriff’s Office through my career, I’ve seen the morale of the office fluctuate over time. However, during the past four years it is hard to say that I have ever witnessed lower morale with deputies, who feel such a lack of communication and lack of collaborative effort between the sheriff and patrol staff. The past four years has been a division of the department between the administration and patrol staff that has only smothered any hopes of morale improving with the current direction and administration. Kurt understands what it takes to improve the abilities of how the county can be patrolled more effectively and how to utilize deputies in a more efficient and effective manner.

I am not personally benefitting from this letter but feel that having firsthand knowledge and direct observations of how the Sheriff’s Office operates behind closed doors need to be known to the general citizen living in Freeborn County. I had more respect for Kindler as a law enforcement officer; however, the way he has mishandled and haphazardly ran the Sheriff’s Office in the past four years has changed my viewpoint.

Kurt Freitag has a clear direction for the Sheriff’s Office and should be the professional with integrity who receives your vote and your families vote on Nov. 4.

 

Tim Matson

Albert Lea