The Seniors and Lawmen Together (S.A.L.T.) team is a dedicated group of volunteers who help keep the Iowa Great Lakes region safe and welcoming. By partnering with the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, these volunteers serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement.

Trail Patrol Operations From May through October, S.A.L.T. volunteers patrol the county's extensive trail system. Riding donated Polaris Rangers, they cover the trails from the north end of Big Spirit Lake down to the south end at Milford, along the west side of West Lake Okoboji, and out west to Lake Park. The team logs over 6,000 miles in a typical summer, prioritizing the safety of bicyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers.

While equipped with cell phones and radios to instantly report emergencies or maintenance issues to the Communications Center, the trail patrol also serves as friendly trail ambassadors. Volunteers provide directions, distribute water, and carry air pumps to assist bicyclists. Every volunteer is fully trained and certified to safely operate the patrol vehicle.

Community Safety Initiatives Beyond the trails, the S.A.L.T. team has been instrumental in several other public safety projects across Dickinson County:

• Portable Radar Trailer: The team was the driving force behind the joint purchase of a portable radar trailer by the county and local municipalities. Deployed along local roadways, the trailer displays a motorist’s current speed alongside the posted limit to encourage safe driving.

• Project Lifesaver: S.A.L.T. supports this vital program, which provides tracking bracelets for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia who may wander away from home. If a loved one goes missing, the tracking device allows first responders to locate them quickly.

• Refrigerator Medical Cards: The team's very first project in the mid-1990s provided bright pink medical cards for senior citizens to place on their refrigerators. These cards list the resident's current medications, giving paramedics immediate access to essential health information during an in-home emergency.

For more information about the S.A.L.T. program, or to inquire about volunteering, please contact Sheriff Baloun at 712-336-2793.