The Stearns County Board of Commissioners opened its Jan. 7 meeting with two recognitions: a proclamation honoring Rockville Fire Chief Rodney Schafer for an outstanding contribution to public safety and a presentation from the Association of Minnesota Counties recognizing the county's integrated services model for families and children.

Chair Jeff Bertram read a proclamation that praised Chief Rodney Schafer's more than 45 years of public-safety service, including roles noted in the proclamation such as founding member of the Rockville rescue squad, Stearns County 9-1-1 dispatcher and paramedic. The board recognized Schafer's award from a local public-safety foundation and applauded his career at the podium.

Ryan Erdman, engagement coordinator with the Association of Minnesota Counties, presented an award to the county for its Family, Children and Human Services integrated-services model. Erdman said AMC selects county programs that are impactful and replicable; Stearns County's model was among four county achievements recognized in 2024. Melissa, the county human services administrator, told commissioners the integrated approach has improved services and she reported the department had saved over $1 million through prevention work.

The board invited staff who work on the program to come forward for photographs and public recognition; Erdman also noted that the National Association of Counties had singled out the program as an outstanding example in its category.

Ending: Commissioners praised staff for the work on the program and presented a proclamation to Chief Schafer; county human-services staff were publicly recognized for the award and for prevention work that the administrator said has saved over $1 million.