It’s National Police Week and a time to highlight local police departments and the officers who keep the public safe.

The Jefferson Police Department has eight full-time officers. One of the newest officers, Shane Jones, who started with the department in 2016, is married to his wife Casey. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that being married to a police officer means you have to be their extra support everyday. She says all of the officers want to be a part of the community, and are willing to pitch in anyway they can.

“It’s amazing, you know, when we had the bad storm, Shane and I were watching out of our window and he noticed they needed help blocking off streets. He put on his gear and went out and helped. And every officer that I know of that works here was out helping and it wasn’t even their day working and they just want to be out there and be a part of the community anyway they can.”

Jefferson Building Official Nick Sorensen is a former Jefferson Police Officer and has the utmost respect for the police department and jobs that they have to do.

“Until you do it, you don’t really (and) fully realize how much of an emotional toll it can actually take on an individual. You’re there to do what you think is right and try and help people. And you have to understand that you’re not catching somebody at their best moment. And they’re probably not going to be very understanding of what you’re trying to do to help them. But to keep in your mind that you are there to ultimately help the public and help the people that you are dealing with.”

National Police Week is from May 13th through the 19th.