WORTHINGTON -- He drives around in a vehicle with a big flag on the front, is very visible in the schools and on the streets and is known by the kids and many parents as the D.A.R.E. officer. But Worthington Police Officer Bob Fritz spends a large amount of his day working on something that stays much quieter -- he spends much of his time on the job investigating child abuse and sexual assault cases and speaking with victims.
He was recently named a CornerHouse Hero by CornerHouse, a Minneapolis-based non-profit interagency child abuse evaluation and training center. The mission of CornerHouse is to assess suspected child sexual abuse, to coordinate forensic interview services and to provide training for other professionals.
Fritz will be recognized with a Champion for Children award, and his story will be incorporated into a Child Abuse Prevention Month display at the Hennepin County Government Center in April.
Fritz was nominated for the award by Sgt. Kevin Flynn of the Worthington Police Department (WPD) with Public Safety Director Mike Cumiskey's whole-hearted approval.
In the nomination letter, Flynn wrote, "Officer Fritz has geared his career toward working with kids. Through his work as a member of the local child protection team, Officer Fritz has become a tireless advocate for children."
ADVERTISEMENT
The WPD was informed Saturday that Fritz was chosen as one of the "heroes." That was when they realized they had better let Fritz know he had been nominated.
"It was a big secret," Fritz said.
While Fritz is very happy about the award, he said he could not possibly do the job he does without the support of everyone else at the department.
"It's the whole network -- the county attorney, family services, the school district -- they are all part of what I do," he said. "We work really well together."
Fritz's work with child abuse victims can be emotionally draining, and he considers his work with D.A.R.E. and Youth Leadership for Vital Communities (YLVC) his "saving grace."
"It is so important how you deal with victims," he said. "You still see them in the community and they are part of who you are and what you've done."
In the nomination letter, Flynn said Fritz has successfully handled many sexual assault cases and helped restore dignity to many victims and their families.
Talking with young victims of physical and sexual abuse can be difficult, and Fritz said he has to have outlets.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I have a lot of hobbies, a great wife and kids," he said.
Fritz is active in the community, having worked as an EMT for Worthington Regional Hospital and as a committee member for the International Festival and more.
"It is reassuring to have Officer Fritz as a fellow officer as I know whatever challenge faces him, it will be met head on with his best effort," Flynn's nomination letter states. "Officer Bob Fritz is a champion of children."
