Photo: MnDOT

Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a proclamation designating Monday as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day." To mark the occasion, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in the downtown Minneapolis will be lit in blue Monday night.

Windows the Governor's Residence on Summit Avenue in St. Paul also will be lit blue.

"Every day and night, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve communities across our state," said Governor Mark Dayton. "Today, we recognize the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women, and their families. Minnesota is a safer, stronger, better state thanks to their unwavering service."

Minnesota has about 10,000 law enforcement officials, according to the governor's office, and thankfully, none lost their lives in 2016. But across the country 140 officers died in the line of duty, according to the Officers Down Memorial Page. The website said 63 of the officers who died were shot.

Dayton proclaimed Monday as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officials in Minnesota and around the country.

admin, Star Tribune

"The brave men and women in law enforcement understand they take risks every day to protect the rest of us," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Today and every day, let us pause to recognize and thank them for their courage, dedication, and professionalism."