Edina Sergeant Reflects on National Police Week

Every year when National Police Week rolls around, Edina Police Sgt. Vik Konters has one name on his mind: William Schoenberger.

At a time when departments across the nation are honoring men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty, Konters can't help but think back to 1993. That was the year Wisconsin State Trooper William Schoenberger—a close friend to Konters, who was working in Eau Claire, WI at the time—was killed after a semi-tractor trailer struck his squad car from behind. 

"The least we can do for the survivors is to keep those officers who were killed in the line of duty's memories alive," Konters said.

Konters said Schoenberger's sudden death prompted him to become more involved with National Police Week, as he felt like he "really had to do something after going through that." Konters is presently a member of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA) Honor Guard, an organization of officers who volunteer their time to provide honors at funerals for law enforcement members who have died in the line of duty.

Konters was one of 40 officers who took part in a 24-hour ceremony at the Minnesota State Memorial on the State Capitol grounds in St. Paul as part of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

"We start at around 8 p.m. on May 14, then walk The Thin Blue Line that's there for about 24 hours in rotation," Konters said. "Other agencies send their officers and they help stand guard."

More locally, Konters participated in Edina's flag raising ceremony on Monday, May 16.

Started in 1962 by then-President John F. Kennedy, National Peace Officers Memorial Day always falls on May 15, regardless of the day of the week. National Police Week 2011 started on May 15 and runs through Saturday, May 21.

Konters encourages local residents to take a moment this week to think of the countless law enforcement agents who put their lives in danger on a daily basis.

"I'd just want them to not take for granted the silent protection and security that they have," Konters said. "And above all else, to remember those who have fallen protecting citizens."