It’s easy to forget just how dangerous their job is. Sometimes we get frustrated when we receive a ticket, or when we get stuck in traffic because of an accident.

The reality is that the men and women of our law enforcement agencies put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniforms.

On Wednesday, six area law enforcement officers, who died in the line of duty between 1905 and 1999, were honored at a memorial service in Blooming Prairie.

They include Austin Patrolman Joseph Herzog, who was struck by a vehicle 1945; Blooming Prairie Chief of Police Neil Johnson, who died in gunfire in 1951; Claremont Chief of Police Gregory Lange, who died in gunfire in 1988; Grand Meadow Police Officer Jason Meyer, who died in a single-car accident in 1999; Hayfield Village Marshal Ole Harvey, who was shot by burglars in 1905; and the Lyle Police Department’s Marshal Johnson, who was killed in gunfire in 1922.

These brave individuals gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line for duty. We are proud of their service and recognize all of our law enforcement personnel who risk their lives for our safety.