Thank and celebrate a fallen everyday hero
By Daily News editorial board

Not only was the Winona law enforcement community shocked, but the entire community was shocked to learn that investigator Art Petroff died last week at the age of 53.

His death reminds us that life is precious. And, his death reminds us of the presence of police in our community and the positive impact they make. They are human, and most of the time, we take the men and women in uniform for granted.
One of Petroff’s beats was drugs in our community. He saw the devastating effects that drugs could have on individuals, neighborhoods and entire families. He also believed in community and working to make it better. He was an instrumental part of the neighborhood watch programs.

One great story about Petroff revolved around him noticing a man wanted on drug charges walking by the Law Enforcement Center. He recognized the man and chased him down, literally bringing the unsuspecting man to justice, while in the process taking another drug dealer off the street.

For friends and family of Petroff, we send our heartfelt and sincere condolences. Your loss is felt by the community and his service will not be forgotten.

We thank men and women like Petroff who have decided to dedicate their lives to public service, who willingly put themselves in harm’s way for people they’ve never met. None of us like speeding tickets, but we also wouldn’t like calling 911 in an emergency and finding out there’s no one to respond. Every day, our local law enforcement officials put their lives on the line for us in many different and dangerous ways. At the end of the day, we kick off our shoes and relax, not knowing what happened as we sat in the office or at a leisurely lunch. We don’t see the drugs. We don’t see the abuse. We don’t see the drunks driving on the street. They do. And for that, they should have not only our respect, but our thanks for a job that’s best done when no one’s even paying attention.

For the Winona Police Department, which must cope with the loss of a friend and colleague, our hearts go out to you. We appreciate the job you do and understand from covering you day in, day out that your world is constantly filled with problems that you must solve in a professional manner.

We hope that the next generation of law enforcement officers see people like Petroff and admire the quiet, dedicated way they serve and are inspired to be the next group of officers, deputies and investigators.

By Darrell Ehrlick, editor, on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and online editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call (507) 453-3507 or send e-mail to letters@winonadailynews.com.

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