Robert Norlen, a longtime volunteer member of the Lake County Rescue Squad, received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA) Winter Conference. This honor highlights the vital role volunteers play in our community’s safety and well-being.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler helped announce the award. Each year, sheriffs from around the state may nominate a volunteer that they feel deserves this award.
From the Lake County Sheriff’s Facebook page, we learn that “Robert has been a dedicated volunteer with the rescue squad for over 49 years, joining in 1976, only four years after its start under the direction of retired Sheriff William DeRosier in 1972. Robert has been instrumental toward the success and growth of the Lake County Rescue Squad, and we are beyond grateful to have him serving our communities.
Members of Norlen’s family joined him at the podium when he received this award. The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, formed in 1885, comprises the 87 Minnesota sheriffs and their staffs. These agencies represent a diversity of regions, from agricultural and wilderness to metropolitan.
Each Sheriff has their own unique situation, duties, and responsibilities. Yet, many of the problems they encounter are common to all.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency for Lake County. Its stated mission is, “The LCSO is committed to providing service and protection to the citizens and visitors of the county, ensuring a safe environment and high quality of life.
”Sheriff Stadler’s office is responsible for patrolling Lake County’s 2,062 square miles. The office is staffed by sworn Deputies, an Investigator, a Sergeant, a Chief Deputy, and the Sheriff. To cover the large area, the LCSO maintains three primary duty stations: The Law Enforcement Center in Two Harbors. The Silver Bay Station includes a K9 unit with K9 Arrow (a German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection, human tracking, and article searches). The Fall Lake Station is located at the entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The LCSO is a full-service agency with several key divisions: Law Enforcement & Investigations, enforcing county, state, and federal laws, investigating crimes and accidents, and apprehending criminals. The 911 Dispatch Center operates not only for Lake County but also for the cities of Silver Bay and Two Harbors, and is responsible for paging all fire, ambulance, and rescue services throughout the county. Lake County Jail: Manages and operates the county jail facility. Rescue Squad: Maintaining a dedicated rescue squad unit that includes nearly a half-century of service from Robert Norlen. And Civil Process serves civil papers and enforces court orders.
The Northshore Journal congratulates Robert Norlen on the recognition bestowed on him by the Minnesota Sheriffs Association. We are delighted to have volunteer public servants like Norlen in our midst.
