Dalrymple Recognizes Law Enforcement during Budget Address

Photo Credit: The Bismarck Tribune

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple shifted gears during his budget address December 7th from talking numbers to recognizing the great efforts by North Dakota’s law enforcement in responding to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

“Let me just say that the performance of our National Guard, our Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement who have faced incredibly tense and life-threatening public safety challenges over the last 130 days has been awe-inspiring,” said Dalrymple.

The Governor acknowledged that many of the individuals who have been assisting Morton County with the protest situation have gone months without a day off. More than 1,400 individuals have assisted Morton County in the DAPL protest response. Law enforcement have come from 31 counties, 22 cities and 9 states.

Dalrymple told lawmakers, “We have had no choice but to step up and cover the expenses of maintaining public safety throughout the ordeal.”

The funds borrowed thus far total $17 million which will have to be repaid from state reserve funds.

Dalrymple publically thanked Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, Highway Patrol Superintendent Mike Gerhardt, and North Dakota National Guard Major General Al Dohrmann. The three individuals were asked to stand and be recognized. Lawmakers and all those in attendance gave the men a standing ovation.