Being a good neighbor is paramount to Roy Gutzman — an expression of his faith, a requirement of his job and a reflection of his late father. He does it in quiet ways — shoveling for elderly neighbors, mowing their lawns — and with bright lights, wrapping his house in thousands of Christmas lights at the darkest time of the year. The 48-year-old is a patrol officer for the Burnsville Police Department. He and his wife, Sarah, and their two kids belong to St. Patrick in Inver Grove Heights.
Q) What do you like about being “a regular street cop,” as you put it?
A) The variety each day brings, and the opportunity to connect with people. Especially working the day, you get a chance for a lot of positive interactions with people, not just arresting people. You can make someone’s day just by being there for them — even if it’s a traffic accident or an animal call. You do what you can to make a negative situation a positive one. Yesterday, I had a gal whose mom was in the hospital, and she needed to get the dog out of the apartment, and the apartment management wasn’t helping her. I was able to go to the management and help her through that.
People are going through different struggles — whether it be mental health or chemical abuse. We’re getting more cases with mental health every year. It doesn’t seem like there’s enough support for people.
Q) Where did you learn that compassion?
A) My dad. He was known for getting along with everybody. His name was Gary, and they called him “Gary Good Fellow.” He’d do anything for you. Unfortunately, we lost him when I was in college and miss him dearly. I can’t help but wonder if God calls these people to help facilitate things. They’re supporting us from up above. I can see the signs. My dad has something to do with a lot of things that have happened in my life.
The (three) fellows (Burnsville first responders) we lost back in February of last year — I’ve seen a lot of signs from that day on that they’re watching over us.
Q) You were friends with Officers Matt Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, who died after that domestic violence call. How did that loss affect you?
A) It’s changed life as I know it. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of those guys and what I want to do to help support them and keep their memories alive forever. It doesn’t get more heroic — they put their lives on the line to save those children. For none of those kids to get hurt is a true miracle.
Those were the nicest guys you could imagine. It seems like they were chosen for some reason that we’ll find out one day. That doesn’t necessarily help comfort the family.
I delivered the news to Matt’s mom that morning. When I was delivering a blue line flag to her, I passed by St. Patrick’s cemetery, where an eagle was sitting on top of a powerline pole. As soon as my squad passed, (the eagle) came down right above my squad. I knew it was a sign.
Q) At 41, you were diagnosed with colorectal cancer — a high-level Stage 3 that became Stage 4 when a spot appeared on your liver. You kept working as you received treatment.
A) There were days it was pretty rough going through the chemo. I had to have a temporary ostomy. But having a reason to get out of the house every day was huge. I kept asking God to keep me alive so I can try to help other people. There’s so much more I want to do. I just need more time.
Q) You really leaned on your faith.
A) I’d go to the chapel at the hospital all the time. I hit my knees a ton.
I was told doing the Sign of the Cross is a prayer in itself. I often do it when I’m driving around or see something I’m grateful for — just letting God know I’m praying for all the people who need it.
I try to do it subtly. It’s funny — when I was training Matt (Ruge) a few years ago, I was in the passenger seat a lot. After his death, when I was talking to his mom, she said he’d told her, “Roy is the one who prays a lot.” I didn’t think he saw me doing the Sign of the Cross, but apparently, he thought that was cool.
Q) Now you’re cancer free!
A) The chances for a full cure were kind of nonexistent. But with medical advances and a great team of doctors, I’m very grateful. I still go for scans every four months.
Q) What helps you guard your mental health?
A) Talking about stressful calls instead of bottling it up. My wife Sarah has been really supportive in listening to me. I like to be physically active. My body just feels better after walking my yellow lab, Drake, and getting that fresh air.
Q) Part of it is being open and vulnerable, right?
A) That’s huge. Our profession has come a long way with that: It’s OK not to be OK. I have an open conversation with coworkers. I’ve learned that sleep is really important. There have been days when I don’t get enough sleep and I can get really down in the dumps.
Things can seem bleak but give it time and they get better. I’ve been a negotiator for 15 years. On (suicide) calls, if someone’s going through something bad, ending their life is not the choice. We try to encourage them. Things can always improve.
I’m thankful whenever I can help someone. It feels good when you help somebody, and you don’t get something in return. God returns it.
Q) Your neighborhood is known for its Christmas lights, and you go big.
A) I had it in me since I was a young boy. I always wanted to have my own house to be able to decorate. It’s special to my heart. It spreads light. It brings families together. I couldn’t tell you how many people have stopped to thank me for putting them up over the years.
Q) When do you put them up?
A) I like to find a warmer day, but I don’t like to put it (the lights) out too early because things will blow around. It’s usually before Thanksgiving, but then I don’t turn it on till Thanksgiving night or the day after.
It takes two or three days to put it up. It’s a lot of extension cords. I don’t always have a specific plan. It’s year by year. I try to do some themes of different colors, and I try to add a decoration every year. Some don’t last long enough, especially if the wind comes out and the cords rip out. My favorite was the gigantic dog — a huge yellow lab with a Santa hat. But I just can’t get him to fully inflate any more. I have to find him a new motor.
I used to store it all in the garage attic, but it was getting tough to lift the heavier stuff. I’ve had a couple of Clark Griswold moments over the years. One time my foot went through the floor of the attic. I had to build a second shed.
I just love making other people happy and remembering what Christmas is all about: bringing light into the world, as God did. I always have a manger out there. My neighbor helped me build it.
Q) Does stringing all those lights feel prayerful?
A) More so now. It might’ve been the novelty at first. But my faith has grown more, going through things, becoming a dad. So, I think about that more now, especially when I’m putting up the manger. The more lights the merrier. It’s a tradition I want to keep going forever.
Q) What’s your favorite prayer?
A) The Beatitudes. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” That’s close to home with my profession.
Q) What do you know for sure?
A) God is real and he’s out there. He gives us signs every day; we just have to be attuned and look for them. I’ve seen too many things in my life — I’d be ignorant not to believe.
We have to do whatever we can to bring light to a dark world. I know you can’t be overbearing — that’s why I do it silently, through example.
