Deputy Jacob Fasching receives Morrison County’s first quarter of 2024 Award of Excellence

Morrison County Deputy Jacob Fasching was honored at the Tuesday, May 7 Board of Commissioners meeting for receiving the 2024 first quarter Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence program recognizes one outstanding county employee each quarter who goes above and beyond in their work.

Fasching has been a deputy with the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office since May 2023. In his role, he patrols the county and works with local schools and the community. However, it was Fasching’s work in removing dangerous illegal drugs from Morrison County’s roads that led to him receiving this award.

Since starting in his role last year, Fasching has seized nearly two pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl during traffic stops. His ability to identify impaired drivers has also been recognized by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, naming him one of the top DUI officers in 2023. In one notable stop, Fasching located a stolen handgun that has since been linked to other crimes in the state.

Fasching’s nominator praised both his daily work with schools and the community, but said his biggest impact has come from his diligent pursuit of illegally trafficked drugs. Through his attention to detail, decision-making skills and ability to be in the right place at the right time, Fasching has made a difference in enhancing public safety in Morrison County.

Fasching said he had no idea that he was about to receive the award, as he had been told to attend the meeting to learn about “some secret stuff.” Also surprising him were members of his family, who came to the meeting to celebrate Fasching’s accomplishment.

“America’s better because of you,” said Commissioner Robert Kasper. “Thank you for your work. In a world where you hate to even turn the news on, it’s people like you that stand against foolishness.”

The Board and Morrison County Administrator Matt LeBlanc commended Fasching for his efforts at the meeting. Fasching received a certificate, parking voucher and trophy for his desk in addition to having his name engraved on the quarterly award plaque. He is the first recipient of the 2024 Award of Excellence.