Friends and neighbors,
I want to take a different approach with this column. Instead of focusing on the legislature, I would like to take a moment to honor David “Chris” Maland, a U.S. Border Patrol agent and proud son of Blue Earth, Minnesota, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on January 20.
Chris was conducting a traffic stop near the Canadian border in Coventry, Vermont, when the situation escalated into gunfire. It is a reminder of how quickly danger can arise, even during seemingly routine situations, in places we generally consider to be safe. Law enforcement officers face these risks every single day – often without the recognition or thanks they deserve.
Chris was just 44 years old. He graduated from Fairmont High School, served in the U.S. Air Force, and spent the last 15 years protecting America’s borders. His death is a stark reminder of the sacrifices officers make to safeguard our communities, often in areas we don’t associate with danger.
By all accounts, Chris lived a life defined by service and commitment. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved nature and cherished time with family and friends. Those who knew him describe him as loyal, selfless, and full of integrity – qualities that guided both his personal life and his career.
His family shared that Chris was planning to propose to his partner before he was killed. This detail makes his loss even more painful, reminding us of the bright future he still had ahead of him and the loved ones left behind.
During his 15 years of service, Chris showed unwavering dedication to his mission, whether along the Texas border, in Vermont, or elsewhere in the country. Like many others who serve, it seems law enforcement wasn’t just a job. it was a calling. It is a deep sense of responsibility to protect and serve that drives so many law enforcement officers.
His loss is felt especially deeply here in Southern Minnesota because Chris was one of us. He was a neighbor and friend for so many. I hope this tragedy prompts us to reflect on how we can better support the heroes of law enforcement, not just in moments of grief but every day. The vast majority of the time, they report for duty and leave at the end of their shift without incident. They need our support on those days too, not just on the difficult ones. The work of a law enforcement officer is vital, and their courage is extraordinary.
Please keep Chris’s family in your thoughts. His parents, younger brother, and partner are dealing with a loss many of us cannot comprehend. Let us also remember his colleagues. They will continue the work Chris devoted his life to, driven by the same sense of duty and service.
We can honor Chris Maland by recognizing his sacrifice and standing with those who serve alongside him. By supporting law enforcement and remembering their daily sacrifices, we can ensure that Chris’s legacy – and the legacy of brave law enforcement officers everywhere – lasts lifetimes.
Let’s all do our best to live with the same commitment to others that Chris showed every day of his life.