The duty of a law enforcement officer is to serve and protect, and for the past 36 years, one local officer has gone above and beyond that call of duty.

Today, the Minot Exchange Club honored Captain Steve Kukowski as its "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year." Kukowski says he's been lucky enough to serve in just about every law enforcement capacity there is, including jail duties, patrol work, crime prevention, bomb squad, swat team, and finally support commander.

He says he's had the pleasure of working with many talented officers, including several previous holders of this title. Kukowski considers the award a big honor, but says it's the result of a true team effort.

(Capt. Steve Kukowski, Minot Police Dept.) "I feel it's not an individual award, it's always something obtained by the group. We have a good group of officers in the community, not just the Police Department, but all law enforcement agencies, and it's because of that cooperation and communication between the two, it's what helps us out a lot."


In addition to Minot Police work, Kukowski also holds positions on several state boards and community organizations. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list