Emmer Celebrates Funding for Minnesota Law Enforcement after Advocating for Program

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) released a statement after funding was awarded to the Wright and Stearns County Sheriff’s Offices through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Emmer supported funding for this program through the appropriations process. This program allows offices to tailor the funding to best fit their public safety needs. 

“Minnesota is home to the best peace officers in the nation and supporting them will always be one of my top priorities. I am thrilled to see the Stearns and Wright County Sheriff's Offices receive these grants, which will help keep Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District safe,” said Congressman Emmer. “Law enforcement is overworked and underfunded because of the Walz administration’s soft-on-crime agenda, but thanks to this much-needed funding, the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe will have the resources they desperately need.” 

“This grant is going to help us update some of our technology needs that are long overdue!  Thank you very much to Congressman Emmer for his efforts in securing this grant to help keep Wright County safe and secure for our residents and visitors,” said Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer. 

“In the past, this grant funding has allowed us to acquire items such as ballistic shields for officer safety and a speed limit warning trailer for community safety. The 2025 grant will be used to purchase online citizen police reporting software, leveraging technology and making it easier for citizens to report crimes,” said Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka.

Background

When it comes to supporting law enforcement and ensuring that officers have the resources they need, Congressman Emmer has a proven record of success. He has been a long time supporter of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The program was created in memory of New York City Police Officer Edward Byrne, who was shot and killed by a gang member when he was only 22 years old while sitting in his patrol car. The Byrne JAG Program provides funding for law enforcement for the tools and resources to protect their communities and address public safety needs. 

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