Minn. cops join inauguration security team

Forty deputies and supervisors from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office traveled to Washington, D.C., to help protect the president during the inauguration.

Capt. David Zimmer, who is among the group, also worked at the first inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Zimmer said he was stationed in 2009 between the crowd watching the inaugural parade and the president.

"It's a pretty unique experience to watch the commander in chief -- the most powerful person in the world -- go by," he said. "And certainly, you have to be on your toes because anything could happen, but it's a very well planned event."

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Zimmer said Minnesota officers will be sworn in as deputy marshals, briefed and assigned Sunday and be on duty Monday.

"The officers from Minnesota are really proud to go out there," Zimmer said. "Doesn't matter if you're a Republican or Democrat. You're just proud to go out there and be part of a security detail for our commander in chief."

A total of 183 law enforcement officers from several Minnesota agencies are participating in the inauguration. They left Saturday for Washington. The federal government will reimburse their expenses.

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