Special Olympics Athlete John Robards Sworn in as Honorary Reserve Officer

In a heartwarming ceremony earlier this year, Special Olympics Minnesota athlete John Robards was sworn in as an Honorary Reserve Officer by Chief Marc Schultz of the Wayzata Police Department.

John, currently the sole individual serving in this honorary capacity, has forged a meaningful partnership with the Wayzata Police that continues to flourish.

Chief Marc Schultz, who typically does not conduct formal swearing-in ceremonies for reserve officers since they are volunteers, made an exception for John.

“John asked me if he was going to have one, so I said sure! Plus, it was a good opportunity to share a little about how John has impacted not only me as a person, but much of our department,” said Schultz during the ceremony.

John Robards has an inspiring story.

Born in Bulgaria, he spent his early years in a crowded orphanage where interactions with law enforcement were used as threats to enforce discipline.

This negative early experience shaped John’s initial fears of police. However, his adoption and subsequent move to the United States at around four years old marked the beginning of a new chapter.

John has lived his entire life in Wayzata, where he attended school and worked at Lunds & Byerlys and the Wayzata Community Church.

His connection with the Wayzata Police Department began a few years ago when he introduced himself to Chief Schultz and expressed his interest in partnering with the department for Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

John also proposed that local police officers engage with community residents with special needs to help break down barriers, a suggestion that the department embraced.

Over the years, John has become an integral part of the Wayzata Police Department’s community activities.

He has participated in numerous events, including the police softball team’s games against the Fire Department and the annual Light Up the Lake Parade, where he helps decorate the police float.

Recognizing John’s significant contributions, the Wayzata Police Department decided to honor him by making him an Honorary Reserve Officer.

“John has been a great community steward, a very effective Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Ambassador, and, more importantly, a good friend,” Schultz remarked.

Despite the honorary title, John’s role and responsibilities will remain largely the same, continuing his invaluable volunteer work within the community.

In addition to his community engagement, John is also an accomplished landscape photographer. “He has true talent for photography and has taken some of the best photos of the Wayzata landscape that I’ve seen,” said Schultz, highlighting John’s artistic side.

During the ceremony, John’s badge was pinned on by his lifelong mentor and current boss at the Wayzata Community Church, John Estrem.

Chief Schultz emphasized the impact of John’s work in building connections between law enforcement and the community, particularly with Special Olympics athletes.

He encouraged others, especially those in law enforcement, to engage with local Special Olympics athletes, noting the mutual benefits and personal gratification from these relationships.

John Robards’ dedication and efforts have not only strengthened ties within the community but have also enriched the Wayzata Police Department, making him a cherished member of the team.