Janklow's Support Of Law Enforcement

SIOUX FALLS, SD - During his time in office, former Governor Bill Janklow brought many programs to South Dakota to benefit law enforcement agencies.

It was an area many say he felt passionately about.

In 1979, South Dakota Highway Patrol Captain Kevin Joffer and Bill Janklow were both starting new jobs.

"I started my career then and about that time, of course, Governor Janklow had been attorney general and he was entering the governor's office at that time in that era," Joffer said.

As he continued on with the highway patrol, Joffer saw Janklow's passion for law enforcement turn into important programs.

"I know what he's done for our agency.  He was a very strong supporter of all law enforcement, but in particular for the highway patrol, he was a strong advocate of our DUI enforcement program," Joffer said.

He also helped start the drug K9 program, which is now statewide, and he helped form the SWAT team.

"The things he did for us are very evident," Joffer said.

While Janklow did many things for law enforcement, Joffer says one of the biggest was expanding the state's emergency radio system allowing every agency to communicate with each other.

"Law enforcement officers can now talk from one end of the state to the other," Joffer said.

Joffer also remembers seeing Janklow right alongside citizens during major disasters like the Spencer tornado and Jasper fire. He says that's because Janklow's motive was to be there to help the people of his state and take care of their needs.

"When things needed to be done, he was able to do it.  I'm sure you've heard that a lot from other people; he was able to get things done," Joffer said.

One memory Joffer has is from the mid 1980's when Janklow honored him and several other troopers for their work in DWI enforcement.