Praise pours in for retiring Olmsted sheriff's officer
6/1/2007 12:04:28 PM

By Janice Gregorson

The Post-Bulletin

Seven years ago, meth was one of the most pressing things on Joe Loftus' mind.

As a captain with the Olmsted County Sheriff's Department, Loftus was alarmed at the growing number of homegrown meth labs being found in the county.

Officers found houses, grounds, sheds and garages turned into toxic waste dumps by people combining and cooking volatile chemicals to make the illegal drug.

Loftus called Rich Peter, head of environmental health for the county, and demanded action.

Thursday, Peter was among the many people who lined up to thank Loftus for the ways he has helped people in the community in his 33 years in law enforcement.

"He demanded we take action," Peter told the crowd that packed the county board chambers of the city-county Government Center in Rochester for Loftus' retirement gathering.

"It was Joe who made public health aware of the problems posed by the toxic labs," he said. "We had no idea."

Because of Loftus' push, Olmsted County became the first in Minnesota to develop a mandatory cleanup policy when meth labs are discovered in homes and other structures.

"He saw the big picture," Peter said.

Sheriff Steve Borchardt described Loftus as a "rare person who stands out."

"Call it charisma. He distinguishes himself by his presence. He is a natural leader," the sheriff said.

The two have worked side by side since the mid-1970s, beginning as deputies in the jail, then as patrol deputies and moving up the ranks as sergeant and captain.

They went to rookie school together, even worked together on odd jobs after hours to earn extra money when both had young families.

"We were young, dumb, 10 feet tall and bulletproof," Borchardt said.

He said Loftus has taken on significant challenges throughout his career, most recently as the county's first director of Homeland Security.

Borchardt said if Loftus leaves any legacy, it's his "we can do better" attitude.

"He was never afraid to challenge us or himself to do better," the sheriff said.

That was echoed by several others who shared their experiences.

Loftus accepted awards from the FBI, the Secret Service and the regional head of Homeland Security.

He accepted thanks from Peter, the county attorney's office, the county board and co-workers.

When it was his turn, Loftus walked to his family sitting in the front row, reached down and put his hand on his oldest son's shoulder. But he couldn't talk. He was choked up.

Borchardt jumped up and introduced the family: Wife Wendy and sons Joe Jr. and Tony. A daughter had not yet arrived.

Both sons follow in Loftus' footsteps in service positions. Joe Jr. is a sky marshal with the federal Department of Homeland Security. Tony is a sergeant with the Marines and this year was named Drill Instructor of the Year, training Marines to be Marines, the sheriff said.

Loftus praised those folks who work in the trenches -- the patrol officers and the detention deputies, saying the sheriff's department is as good as it is because of the line officers.

"I have had an exceptional tour," Loftus said of his career. "This is the best job you will ever have."

Ellie