Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Former Human Rights Commission members Jackie Krehbiel and Timothy Frenning present New Ulm Police Chief David Borchert with the 2021 New Ulm Human Rights Award.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Human Rights Commission (HRC) awarded New Ulm Police Chief David Borchert the 2021 New Ulm Human Rights Award.

The award was presented to Borchert Monday by two former HRC commissioners, Jackie Krehbiel and Timothy Frenning. Krehbiel said she was honored to give Borchert the award, calling him a confidant, a mentor and a friend.

Frenning listed the reasons Borchert was chosen to receive the award. As Police Chief, Borchert has taken input from HRC on issues about body cameras, traffic awareness and mental health calls.

Immediately after George Floyd’s death, Borchert attended HRC meetings and communicated to the community that NUPD training did not include choke holds. Borchert also co-signed letters with HRC to minimize tension between law enforcement and communities of color.

Borchert is also a member of the Minnesota River Valley mentoring team, serving as a mentor for the homeless and assisting returning citizens and immigrants in obtaining driver’s licenses.

“Both in his personal and professional life, Chief Borchert promotes and protects human dignity and the rights of law,” Frenning said.

Borchert gave a speech in accepting the award. He thanked his wife and the HRC for the award.

He said few communities have a human rights commission, making it rare for law enforcement to work alongside HRC or recognized each other.

“I think that shows a value to the community,” Borchert said. “I think we work very well to serve our community and we are looking out for individuals and human rights.”

Borchert said he got into law enforcement to help people. He remembered two pivotal moments in his life that impact him to this day.

Borchert explained that when he was in kindergarten he had a difficult time talking. He was unable to speak. At the time there were not many resources available to assist him. After working with a speech therapist he was able to communicate, but his speech issue gave him an idea of what it was like to have a disability.

He remembered once he was given a gift from his neighbors. It was a Snoopy decoration they thought he would like. He went home and showed his mom, but his speech issue prevented him from explaining how he got the gift. His mother was concerned he stole it.

Now as a member of law enforcement, Borchert remembers the challenges he had with his speech disability and it’s something to keep in mind while serving in law enforcement, that people need resources. It goes beyond speech therapy.

Borchert said defense attorneys are not law enforcement enemies. They are a resource. He also praises Drug Court as a resource for helping the community and individuals get on the right track.

Borchert also shared a story of the first crime he investigated. He was in the 9th Grade at Minnesota Valley Lutheran. Some band instruments were stolen. Local police had a theory on the theft, but Borchert had a different theory. He had noticed a few older students acting suspiciously. After doing his research, Borchert found the instruments. At that age, he was reluctant to tell on the other students but wanted to return the instruments to the students. Borchert took it upon himself to secretly transport the instruments back to the band room where they were stolen. He managed to return the instrument with no one noticing.

Borchert said he often thought about what would have happened if he had been caught returning the instruments. He would have looked like the guilty party.

The two incidents help Borchert remember that in any investigation you start with a theory, but sometimes a theory is wrong and you need to reevaluate. He said that it is difficult to change a theory, but it is something important to consider in law enforcement.

“It is my job to say, I don’t know if you’re on the right track,” Borchert said. “Look at some different options, some different theories.”

Borchert closed saying he appreciated the award.

“New Ulm is a very good community and I enjoy serving it,” he said.