Safety First

Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent this bulletin at 05/14/2024 07:42 AM CDT

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News from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Vol. 2, Issue 10, May 14

In this issue:

Become a better rider: Invest in your skills — and your safety — this motorcycle season
Arson Awareness Week, help fire officials protect houses of worship
Commissioner's corner: National Police Week
Featured social media

Become a better rider: Invest in your skills — and your safety — this motorcycle season

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Minnesota. And let's be honest, motorcycle safety messaging can seem very repetitive: Wear a helmet. Ride sober. Don't speed.

Some riders listen, some unfortunately don't. Three motorcyclists have already been killed on our roads this year, and fatalities have increased in recent years. And yes — helmet use, speed and impairment are often contributors. But ultimately, the skill of the rider can be a determining factor in preventing crashes that lead to injury and death.

“There really is no substitute for being a skilled rider," said Jay Bock, motorcycle safety coordinator for the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC). “Wearing protective gear and a helmet is extremely important, but can only get you so far if you're riding beyond your skill level, or if you encounter a situation you aren't prepared for."

Continue reading in our blog.

amples from a fire at a Mountain Iron church

Help fire officials protect houses of worship

Eleven Minnesota churches were intentionally started on fire in Minnesota between 2018 and 2023.

“Any fire strikes a nerve and leaves people looking for answers to help heal," said State Fire Marshal Dan Krier. “When that fire is intentional at a house of worship, it's an affront to the senses."

Last week’s National Arson Awareness Week theme was “Arson Prevention at Houses of Worship — Fire as a Weapon.”

Continue reading in our blog.

Commissioner's corner: National Police Week

Minnesota has lost more than 300 law enforcement officers in the line of duty, including Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Special Agent Tom Wyatt in 2004 and eight Minnesota State Patrol troopers. Join us this week, National Police Week, as we remember the sacrifices these troopers and agents made for their community and our state.

Members of the State Patrol Honor Guard will stand watch at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Minnesota Peace Officer’s Memorial on the south grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol in remembrance of those the State Patrol has lost.

They are gone, but never forgotten.

We will lay a wreath in their honor while troopers ring a bell and say each fallen trooper's name:

William S. Kozlak (1934)
Roy C. Lichtenheld (1934)
Ray X. F. Krueger (1959)
Glen A. Skalman (1964)
Donald B. Ziesmer (1973)
Roger Curtis Williams (1978)
Timothy Joseph Bowe (1997)
Theodore "Ted" Foss (2000)

Thank you, agents, troopers and your families, for your service.

Featured social media

A Red Lake woman is facing federal charges for murdering two of her children and felony-level neglect of a third.

On March 15, Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, fatally stabbed one of her children, then lit her home on fire, causing the death of a second child. She fled with her third child, but was spotted by an observant Minnesotan after we issued an AMBER Alert. Stately’s child was suffering from visible signs of neglect.

“This case is another example of how AMBER Alerts save lives. They get critical information out quickly to millions of Minnesotans willing to step up to help rescue a child in mortal danger,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We are grateful to the Minnesotan who acted quickly and bravely in this case, and to all Minnesotans who join in the search when a child needs them most.”

The FBI is leading this investigation. We are grateful to all of our local, state and federal partners who continue to work to seek justice for these children.

Don't miss any updates on the BCA's Facebook page.