Two weeks ago, a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer, Ryan Bialke, 37, was honored with a procession along roads that took him through Big Lake, Becker and Clear Lake along Hwy. 10. Bialke died of gunshot wounds, after responding to a call regarding a suicidal male with possible children present.

Officer Bialke was transported to the Red Lake Hospital, where he died. The suspect, who opened fire on officers and then fled into the woods, was apprehended shortly after and federal charges are pending.

On July 25, flags were asked to be lowered to half mast and dozens of people lined the streets to show their support and respect for the fallen officer. Many patrons at Clear Lake’s Brickyard Restaurant retreated from the establishment and stood in honor along the roadside. Tom Godlewski of Clear Lake was one of those paying tribute.

“For me, there were two important elements to the story,” he said. “A police officer killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a wife, children, friends, relatives, fellow officers and a whole community.”

“Secondly the honor was shown to him by patrons and management of the Brickyard establishment.” 

Godlewski  said it was about a half an hour before the caravan would pass  through when he mentioned it to the management. 

“At which time the lady in charge said to me, ‘about 10 minutes before the caravan passes through, come in and I will give you a mic to announce to the patrons’.”

“This officer’s service and sacrifice, and that of his family, and those who were able to respond from the Brickyard are the America I want to be a part of,” said Godlewski.  

The Red Lake Nation Police Dept. shared a video on that Tuesday afternoon along with the caption, “escorting our brother in blue, our fallen officer, to Anoka County. Police Officers from agencies state wide have joined the Red Lake Nation in solidarity and honor of our fallen Police Officer.”