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Representatives of the judiciary, the bar and the law enforcement community were on hand Wednesday as the Minot Exchange Club recognized a Minot police officer as its Officer of the Year.

Capt. Steve Kukowski told an audience of about 25 people at The Vegas Motel that he was honored by the recognition, saying that community involvement was very important to him.

"There are a lot of things that you have to do, and you have to step up and help when you can," Kukowski said.

Kukowski said earlier that morning he had been fortunate enough to have breakfast with some high-ranking officials from Minot Air Force Base as well as Gen. David Sprynczynatyk of the North Dakota National Guard.

"I felt so out of place, because I was the only civilian representative there other than Gov. Hoeven's representative," Kukowski said. "I listened to what General Sprynczynatyk said, and it kind of mirrors what we do in law enforcement. He said it's a team concept. It's a team that makes this thing work. And that's the way it is with us in law enforcement."

Without law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, jail staff and others working together, "things fall through the cracks," he said.

"I think it represents what we all do, and not just one individual," Kukowski said.

Kukowski was presented the award by Ward County State's Attorney Roza Larson, who was also the featured speaker at the luncheon.

Larson addressed concerns about the growing rate of violent crime, both across the state and in Ward County, as well as an increase in embezzlement and significant property crimes.

"It always amazes me when I see somebody who's had the guts to roll out of Wal-Mart with a big-screen TV," Larson said. "It just amazes me that people think that they can get away with that."

She said that she is glad to have such good law enforcement personnel and security guards on the job.

"We're really fortunate to live in the community that we're in," Larson said.

Jim Maxson, a local attorney and speaker chairman of the Minot Exchange Club, told the audience the club was proud to honor representatives of law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and the judiciary, "because, as we all know, your jobs can be very unpleasant."

"You probably don't get thanked very often for pulling someone over for DUI or beating up on their spouse," Maxson said. "We appreciate what you folks do for us. When there's trouble, you don't usually call a stockbroker or a lawyer you call the cops."