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The newest addition to the Steamboat Days Grande Parade represents courage, valor, honor and bravery. Processing just before the Winona County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse will be a dark blue Ford Crown Victoria. Etched on the white trunk of the cruiser are the names of 263 fallen Minnesota officers, including Winona County Sheriff’s Investigator John J. Schneider, Winona Police Officer Mathew Hamilton and Minnesota State Patrol Corporal Ted Foss.
“I take this to heart and I asked for this car to be a part of our parade,” Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said. “It’s a reminder to be respectful of our fallen officers.”
The cruiser, which belonged to slain North St. Paul officer Richard Crittenden, was donated by his wife, Christine. She was granted the cruiser after his untimely death in 2009.
Members of the Minnesota Thin Blue Line organization have decorated the car with law enforcement and memorial decals. The names of every officer killed in the line of duty in Minnesota dating back to 1874 is listed on the trunk.
“We lost three officers in our community and it’s important to remember and pay our respects,” Brand said.
The Steamboat Days Grande Parade is on Sunday at 12:31 p.m.beginning on East Broadway.
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