‘Pleasure to serve’

After 22 years of service to the Waseca County Sheriff’s Department, Sergeant Dave Melchert has retired.

Hundreds came out to his retirement party at the Waseca County East Annex Building the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 31. After the public party, Melchert celebrated with family and friends at El Molino.

Melchert began his law enforcement career as a member of the Le Sueur County sheriff’s department, becoming a patrol deputy for the Waseca County department on Jan. 1, 2001. Twelve years later, on July 14, 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as such until his retirement.

In addition to his role as a deputy, Melchert served as a commander for the South Central Drug Investigation Unit SWAT Team from 2004-2018. 

Melchert said he appreciated the opportunity to work for Waseca County for more than two decades. “It’s been a pleasure to serve people here,” he shared. “The people are what made this job worth it.”

Many people who filtered into the East Annex building had nice things to say about Melchert. “I’ve known him for 25 years,” Sheriff Jay Dulas commented. “It’s been great to work with him.”

County Commissioner Blair Nelson echoed the sheriff’s sentiment. “It’s been great to have Melchert serving in the county sheriff’s office. It’s sad to see him go, but his retirement is well deserved.”

When asked about his plans for retirement, Melchert stated: “I’ll be waking up every day, making myself a cup of coffee, and seeing what the day brings.”

Perhaps surprisingly, he has not immediate plans for a vacation or trip.

“I’ll only be on my first day of retirement tomorrow,” Melchert pointed out. “I don’t really know what it’s like yet. Once I settle in, well, then I’ll see.”