by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Ted Bechtold was recently awarded the 2015 Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship for Stearns County.
Bechtold received the scholarship Nov. 16 from Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner. The association gives scholarships each year to people who are planning to become Minnesota peace officers.
“Ted has shown us a maturity level well beyond his years and also possesses the one thing that seems to be unteachable – common sense,” Sanner said in his recommendation letter for Bechtold. “There is no doubt in my mind Ted will enjoy a long and productive law-enforcement career upon graduation. Although the real winner will be the community in which he serves.”
Applicants apply for the scholarship through their local sheriff’s office. This year, the MSA scholarship committee chose nine recipients.
Bechtold is a St. Joseph native, who is a junior at St. Cloud State University majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology.
He plans to pursue a career in law enforcement and is currently a visiting monitor at the Stearns County Jail, where he assists visitors with visitation of inmates.
Bechtold has also worked the past two summers as a seasonal water and park-patrol officer for Stearns County, enforcing park rules and water-safety laws on the waterways for safer public use.
His interests include weight training, Jiu Jitsu (mixed martial arts), and he has been involved in the Acacia fraternity at St. Cloud State University.
Last year, Bechtold studied at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. His studies included a variety of courses, including South African law and psychology.
While there, he toured much of South Africa, cage-dived with Great White sharks, rode African elephants on safari and went on many other safaris and a cross-country trip that included hiking across a national park.
“I am very grateful to be selected to receive this scholarship,” Bechtold said. “This money will help me finish my college education and continue my career in public service.”
Bechtold is the son of Pat and Bruce Bechtold. He has one brother, Sam, and two sisters, Mary and Kate. He attended All Saints Academy and Cathedral High School.
Bechtold’s father has worked at the sheriff’s office for 29 years as the chief deputy.
“I am proud Ted has chosen to follow in my footsteps and pursue a career in law enforcement,” Bruce said. “He has prepared himself well for his chosen profession.”
According to their website, the MSA recognizes “enforcement of the law in a democratic society is a complex task. The ability of a peace officer to render effective service responsive to the public’s need depends heavily upon job knowledge and skills. The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association recognizes the importance of pre-entry training to the accomplishment of these requisites.”
Recognizing some candidates need help meeting costs of this training, the MSA established a scholarship fund awarding scholarships, which are funded through the coordinated efforts of 87 sheriffs of Minnesota and through exhibitor sustaining scholarship members.
Scholarships are available to students enrolled in one of three categories: mandated POST skills program; in the second year of a two-year law-enforcement program; or in the third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal-justice course.
For more information about the MSA, visit mnsheriffs.org.
Sheriff John L. Sanner (left) and Chief Deputy Bruce Bechtold (right) congratulate Ted Bechtold, who was awarded the 2015 Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship for Stearns County. Ted is a junior at St. Cloud State University studying criminal justice and psychology.
