Local organization honors members of law enforcement

RAPID CITY, S.D.– The Rushmore Noon Optimist Club hosted a special ceremony Wednesday for Law Enforcement and the children they helped on a daily basis, the group a part of the area for helping local children for decades.

And today’s “Respect for Law” ceremony honored the work of two members of law enforcement– and two children they have made the most positive impact on– for the relationships they have built with students in the schools where they’re stationed.

“When you’re a police officer out on the street, you don’t often get to see the results of your work,” School Resource Officer Garrett Loen said. “Whereas within the school– I see these kids everyday. So if I end up working with a kid I can follow up with them and continue to work with them to try to help them improve their lives and maybe improve what’s going on around them.”

The “Respect For Law” ceremony has been part of the club for around 20 years.