MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Supports Andover Elementary Fundraiser with “Donuts with a Deputy” Program

ANDOVER, MN (April 22, 2026) The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Andover Elementary School to support a recent Parent Teacher Organization fundraising effort, contributing two “Donuts with a Deputy” experiences to the school’s silent auction.

The initiative converted the donated experiences into structured student engagement sessions, led by School Resource Officer Deputy Zak Gallegos, following the conclusion of the auction.

Event Structure and Activities

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the winning students and their guests participated in a scheduled morning program held at the school.

The session included:

• A supervised breakfast gathering with the assigned deputy
• Distribution of sheriff’s office materials, including badges and themed items
• A guided inspection of a marked patrol vehicle
• An interactive question-and-answer segment focused on law enforcement duties and equipment

Students were also included in a brief, supervised escort to class conducted by the deputy as part of the experience.

Officials stated that the students engaged directly with the deputy, asking questions related to day-to-day responsibilities and operational procedures.

School Resource Officer Program Context

The event was conducted within the framework of the School Resource Officer program, under which sworn deputies are assigned to educational settings.

Guidance from the National Association of School Resource Officers identifies three primary roles for SROs: law enforcement, informal counseling, and classroom education. Community engagement activities are commonly incorporated into these roles to support relationship-building between officers and students.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office maintains SRO assignments across multiple schools in the county, with responsibilities that include safety coordination, emergency response planning, and student interaction.

Fundraising and Community Engagement

The “Donuts with a Deputy” experience was offered as part of a PTO-led silent auction to raise funds for student-related needs, including supplemental educational resources and school programming.

School-based fundraising through PTO organizations is a standard mechanism used to supplement district funding, particularly for enrichment activities and classroom support.

Law enforcement agencies frequently participate in such initiatives as part of broader community policing strategies, which emphasize visibility, accessibility, and non-enforcement interaction within local communities.

Official Comment

Deputy Gallegos, who hosted the sessions, described the experience as among the most rewarding aspects of his role, reflecting the department’s emphasis on direct engagement with students.

Bottom Line

The partnership between the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and Andover Elementary combined fundraising with structured student engagement. Officials state the program supports school needs while reinforcing ongoing efforts to build familiarity and trust between law enforcement and young residents.

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