By Bruce Karnick

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As January came to a close, the careers of two new law enforcement officers were officially beginning. Dakota County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new General Duty Deputies into the fold, Jessica Perez and Saul Garza. Jessica graduated from Inver Hills Community College with an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement and completed skills at Rochester Community College. Prior to coming to the sheriff’s office, she worked as a Community Service Officer for Lakeville and then was hired as a Dakota County Park Ranger. Jessica and her husband have three children. Her interests and hobbies include, traveling, camping, boating and just about anything that can be done outdoors. Her spare time usually revolves around shuttling her kids to and from sports and catching up on docuseries with her husband.

Saul graduated from Bemidji State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and completed skills at Hennepin Technical College. Saul worked for Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Deputy and 3 years as a Minneapolis Police Officer. He also was a member of the National Guard. Saul and his wife have a young son. He enjoys exploring the outdoors and fishing in the summer and through the ice.

Welcome to Dakota County! May both of you have long, healthy, safe and rewarding careers! Thank you for choosing to be a peace officer!

Jessica Perez

Saul Garza