MN FOP Lakes Area Lodge #11

05/13/2026

05/04/2026

FOP SUPPORTING WOUNDED DEPUTY

This afternoon, an Itasca County Sheriff's Office Deputy was shot while responding to a call in the line of duty. The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police stands firmly with the brave men and women of the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office and all those who support them every day.

This incident is a sobering reminder that there is no such thing as a routine call. Every shift carries risk, and danger can appear in an instant. Our officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, answering the call with courage and patriotism.

We are grateful the deputy’s injuries are not life-threatening and pray for their full and speedy recovery. Today we honor their service, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to the badge and the communities they serve.

To all law enforcement professionals across Minnesota: stay vigilant, stay safe, and know that the Fraternal Order of Police stands with you. 🇺🇸

Joe Gamaldi National FOP VP Patrick Yoes National FOP President National Fraternal Order of Police

05/04/2026

Itasca County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Officer-Involved Shooting in Max, Minnesota

Max, MN — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office was on a call earlier today in Max, Minnesota, that resulted in an officer-involved shooting.

During the incident, an Itasca County deputy sustained injuries and was transported for medical care. The extent of the deputy’s injuries is not being released at this time.

The suspect involved in the incident is in custody. There is no ongoing threat to the public.

Per standard protocol, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been requested and will be conducting the investigation into the incident. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is fully cooperating with the BCA.

Out of respect for the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are being released at this time.

We ask the community to keep our deputy, their family, and all those affected by this incident in their thoughts.

For media inquiries, please contact:Itasca County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Joe Dasovich

04/29/2026

FOP SUPPORTING WOUNDED OFFICER

This morning, a Richfield police officer was shot in the hand while responding to a car prowler call that turned dangerous. The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police stands firmly with the brave men and women of the Richfield Police Department and the dedicated Edina Police dispatchers who support them every day.

This incident is a sobering reminder that there is no such thing as a routine call. Every shift carries risk, and danger can appear in an instant. Our officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, answering the call with courage and patriotism.

We are grateful the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening and pray for their full and speedy recovery. Today we honor their service, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to the badge and the communities they serve.

To all law enforcement professionals across Minnesota: stay vigilant, stay safe, and know that the Fraternal Order of Police stands with you.

04/20/2026

Yesterday members of Lakes Area FOP Lodge 11 and their families conducted the spring ditch on State Highway 210 east of Brainerd. It is a great opportunity for members to connect and to help keep our beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area clean.

04/15/2026

🕊️ Today marks the third anniversary of the day we lost one of our own.

On April 15, 2023—his 44th birthday—Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Owen made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a domestic violence call in Cyrus, Minnesota. In an instant of unimaginable bravery, Deputy Owen stepped forward to protect his community and his fellow officers, and he never came home.

A proud veteran of the Minnesota National Guard who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Deputy Owen lived a life defined by service—to his country, to his state, and to every citizen who called Pope County home. With nearly 12 years on the job, he wore the badge with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the thin blue line that safeguards our freedoms.

His sacrifice reminds us of the profound cost of the peace we too often take for granted. He stood ready when others could not. He answered the call when danger came knocking. He gave everything so that others could live in safety.

To his wife Shannon, his son Rylan, his brothers and sisters in the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, and all who loved him—we carry your pain in our hearts today. You are not alone. The entire Minnesota law enforcement family stands with you, honors his memory, and vows to continue the watch he so faithfully kept.

Rest easy, Deputy Owen. Your watch has ended, but your legacy of selfless service will inspire generations of protectors who follow in your footsteps.

We will never forget.

🇺🇸

04/14/2026

04/06/2026

Mike Coviello, Associate General Counsel for the National Fraternal Order of Police Labor Services Division, explains the vital services the FOP provides to ...

04/05/2026

Minnesota officers — Steve James, President of the National Fraternal Order of Police Legal Defense Plan, makes it crystal clear: **"Coverage under $400/yea...

04/03/2026

Jamal Mitchell was killed in the line of duty on May 30, 2024, responding to an apartment on Blaisdell Avenue on a report of a shooting.