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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) took to the House floor to announce the recipients from Minnesota's law enforcement who are receiving the FBI Director's Award for Excellence for their enduring work on the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling: 

  • Stearns County Deputy/Investigator Dennis Kern, 
  • Former Captain Pam Jensen, 
  • Retired Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Ken McDonald, 
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Shane Ball, and;
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Chris Boeckers.

Watch Congressman Emmer speak on the House floor here

FBI Director Award

Click here to watch.

Full transcript:

“Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to honor five incredible members Minnesota’s law enforcement, each of whom are deservedly receiving the “FBI Director's Award for Excellence”:  Stearns County Deputy/Investigator Dennis Kern, former Captain Pam Jensen, retired Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Ken McDonald, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agents Shane Ball and Chris Boeckers.

29 years ago, on October 22nd, 11 year old Jacob Wetterling disappeared. Minnesota was left in shock and horror. 

Our state hoped and prayed for decades that Jacob would return home. 

Though unable to change the tragic outcome of Jacob’s life, Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball and Agent Boeckers were able to offer some peace and comfort by apprehending Jacob’s murderer. 

Mr. Speaker, words cannot adequately express the gratitude that the Wetterling family and all Minnesotans have for the law enforcement who never stopped searching for Jacob, who never gave up.

To Deputy Kern, Captain Jensen, Agent McDonald, Agent Ball and Agent Boeckers, on behalf of all Minnesotans: Thank you and God bless you

I yield back.”

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