3rd annual ‘Tacos with Cops’ more popular than ever
By Terry Carlson
Okay, picture this: while doing my best John Wayne impression, I stroll up to the food table and, in a misguided attempt to speak French, I drawl to the lady, “Mad-a-moysel, I’d like some take-ohs and tor-tillahs.”
– she dishes it up –
“Mer-cee. Oh reservoiree!” and John Wayne strolls away to a table.
…
Thankfully, this did NOT happen.
Instead, a steady stream of people allowed the servers little time to take a breather as they lined up at the “Tacos with Cops” fundraiser last Saturday, held at the Breitung Community Center in Soudan. The annual event has gained in popularity since its inaugural event in 2022, drawing more and more people each year—and it sure continued the trend this year. Chief Dan Reing estimated the turnout at around 200—more than the first two years combined—going through 50 lbs. of taco meat.
After briefly donning a sombrero for pictures, Dan admitted that each year leading up to the annual event, he’s concerned that few would show up.
No worries, senor, because iit just happens to be a fun way for the folks in Soudan and Tower to rub elbows with the men that protect and serve our community year round—Chief Reing and officers James Vukad, Jim Battin, Bradley Roy, and Isaac Karolczak—and, oh by the way, enjoy delicious tacos served up by Ivette Reing & Co.
Ivette (taco planner, prepper, and Dan’s wife) uses an authentic taco recipe that she brought all the way from Sinaloa, Mexico.
The Breitung Police serves the residents and visitors of Breitung Township and the City of Tower for police coverage, and the Department assists the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division, and the Boundary Waters Drug Task Force on calls.
They also work additional shifts as part of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program through the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. These shifts focus on impaired driving, speed, seatbelt use, and distracted driving.
They’re doing a great job, and Tacos with Cops is an excellent—and tasty—opportunity to meet and mingle with the squad members, friends, and neighbors.
