To the Editor,

I’d like to publicly thank Officer Mike Helle for the kindness he has shown the community of Henning, especially these past few months and throughout the years he has served as peace officer in our town. I use the term “peace officer” explicitly, as our good officer not only fights crime, but also uses the Community Policing model to keep a pulse on town life and provide connections with students, business owners and all citizens. 

Many people may not realize how often Officer Helle has stepped up since we’ve lost so many city employees. It is not a police officer’s duty to help with snow removal and city maintenance. He works tirelessly with the fire department members, the non-profits and the school. He is currently putting together new park enhancements. Our community has paid dearly by losing some top talent recently. Thank God he’s not one of them.

    Like all the rest of the city employees, Officer Helle lost his HSA contribution during recent budget cuts. While many people in the private and public workspace have indicated that they don’t get that sort of contribution, Henning wages have long been less competitive, offering the HSA contribution as a benefit. HSA contributions are standard in the local governmental offerings here in this area because of lower wages. This benefit cost our city less in matching funds, was a tax credit to the employees, and gave the city more “bang for the buck” in hiring and retention of talent. Not only did he lose this money, but like all of us, inflation has eaten away at his salary. 

In addition, the city council saw fit to ignore his entreaties for competitive wage compensation for the evening police officer, so now no one is able to police with him. Furthermore, even though he budgeted responsibly for a new police truck, the city council was unable to set aside those funds to get that vehicle to replace the one that has died. 

    Through all, he has kept a hopefulness that the people can “come together for the good of the community.” He led Santa Days, fundraising for the new park shelter, helped with the Haunted House and National Night Out while still executing crucial detective work behind a major drug bust. Beyond that he’s written grants for new fire/rescue and police equipment, plus meets with struggling parents and deals with elderly abuse or neglect. If you think he doesn’t earn his pay, you’d be wrong.

Let’s not allow Henning to lose such a fine peace officer. Please express your gratitude to him for all he’s done and encourage him to endure this time of transition and look forward to better days. 

Sincerely,

Beth Rose, 

Henning