Law enforcement awards feature humor, gratitude

Humor and heartfelt thanks combined to acknowledge the contributions of the 2026 Waseca Exchange Club Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, honorees Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas and City of Waseca police sergeant Tim Schroeder. In a 30-minute ceremony attended by an estimated 75 people, six speakers shared some of their experiences, observations and gratitude surrounding the two officers.

 

City public safety director Kris Markeson claimed that, having known both Dulas and Schroeder for more than 25 years, he felt overwhelmed at the task of summarizing their contributions. To help, he summoned “Kristoff the Clairvoyant” who entertained those present with a “reading.” 

 

Wearing a giant hat to identify himself as Kristoff, Markeson offered to reveal the answers to questions before the envelopes containing them were opened.

 

Markeson waved an envelope and stated the answer would be “Market collapse.” The question inside asked what would happen if Schroeder stopped purchasing supplies in support of his well-known love for fishing and outdoorsmanship. 

 

Markeson announced the answer “Jay Dulas” to the question “How do we get rid of all this free food?”

 

“Truckloads” was delivered as the response to “How much love and commitment do Jay and Tim show for their communities, families, and grandkids?”

 

Another speaker was area resident Hilary Kruger, who revealed that Schroeder was the first law enforcement officer to respond to the devastating attack at her family’s home in 2007.  Kruger addressed Schroeder directly to say, “Tim, your calm voice was the light in my darkest night. Your impact on me and my family will last a lifetime. Thank you for all you do.  May you always stay safe and out of harm's way ”

 

During her brief statement she also said, “I never saw Tim’s face that night, but the second I heard his voice, I knew I would survive. 

 

“Tim’s voice was calm, he made me feel safe. As I was coming in and out of consciousness, I knew I was in good hands.”

 

Also among the speakers were Waseca fire chief Jason Forshee, county sheriff’s posse leader ShaLee White, and Grace Lutheran Church pastor Jillene Gallatin. Former police chief Penny Vought supplied a letter which was read during the event. Former Waseca police officer Arik Matson also attended the ceremony.

 

According to information in a program printed for the ceremony, Dulas was elected to his position as sheriff in 2022. He has been with the county sheriff’s department since 1999.

 

Schroeder has been with the city police department for 27 years, and has taken roles as a patrol officer, K9 handler, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member.