MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Solving crimes and mysteries is something most people pretended to do when they were younger. Many adults can look back and remember watching Inspector Gadget solve mysteries with his trusted sidekick Penny. Those adults continue to watch other detectives work their magic. Detectives like Ace Ventura and Sherlock Holmes make solving mysteries look exciting and fun, and while that may be true for some, not all cases are funny or enjoyable to watch.

The fact of the matter is, real-life detectives are charged with great responsibility. They are trusted to get the job done; not just by their subordinates, but by those who are personally affected by the case. Real detectives are real-world heroes. And while they may not get the recognition they deserve on a daily basis, times do arise when they are rewarded for their extraordinary work and devotion.

Such a time occurred during a ceremony held in downtown Minot on May 18. On this day, Air Force Global Strike Command's very own Detective Michael T. Berglund, 5th Security Forces Squadron lead detective, received the award for the Optimist Club's Outstanding Law Officer of the Year.

Mr. Berglund has served the base for more than 25 years now, previously as an active duty Airman, now as a civilian officer. He is currently assigned as the lead detective for the security forces investigation section here. Capt. Michael Gallucci, 5th SFS operations and training officer, said the detective is truly one of their finest police officers.

"His day-to-day duties speak for themselves through his tenacious efforts to professionalize all aspects of law enforcement activities on the base and in his community, as he is a proven servant in both the military and Minot communities," said the captain. "He is a complete law enforcement officer and person. His efforts as a military investigator are unmatched, as he has proven time and again that mediocrity will not be tolerated in the areas he serves. He is a key contributor to our team unity within security forces."

Some of Detective Berglund's duties include managing a four-person investigation section, assigning cases and duty schedules, providing commanders with immediate feedback, investigating crimes involving military personnel and collecting and processing evidence, just to name a few.

Although Detective Berglund's peers said he demonstrates excellent work ethic, there are times when more credit is due.

"In one situation, Detective Berglund responded to a report of domestic violence," said Captain Gallucci. "Upon arrival, he discovered an unconscious victim who had been severely beaten and was bleeding profusely from the face. Detective Berglund instantly secured the residence and initiated care to stabilize the victim until emergency medical personnel arrived. Once the victim was cared for, he organized a systematic search for the perpetrator, who was taken into custody within a matter of minutes."

Captain Gallucci said the detective's actions were singled out as spot on, and credited for the recovery of the victim.

Aside from all of his detective duties, Mr. Berglund also makes sure to spend time giving back to the community.

"I'm active in the local area church and volunteer weekly with AWANA's Children's club," said the detective. "I also manage a benevolence account to assist the needy, and am a member of the Northern Plain Children's Advocacy Center."

Giving back is in Mr. Berglund's nature, both in the community, as well as within the 5th SFS.

"The best part of my job is working with other law enforcement agencies, as well as getting the opportunity to work with and mentor young Airmen daily," said the detective.

This enthusiasm to help others within the job doesn't go unnoticed. His co-worker, Paul Sullivan, 5th SFS plans and programs branch chief, said Mr. Berglund's passion for his job and community both on and off the installation is the biggest factor in him receiving this award.

Mr. Sullivan said it seems as though everyone in 5th SFS is thankful for Mr. Berglund's presence in the section, as many respect him and look to him for help.

"Mr. Berglund is a leader, motivator and most importantly, a teacher," said Mr. Sullivan. "The security forces squadron has subject matter experts in various positions that unit members can turn to for guidance. But all security forces members know that if they want guidance on any aspect of a criminal investigation, Mike Berglund is the person to turn to."

With more reasons than not to feel completely responsible for this award, the detective remained thankful to others, and credits them for his accomplishment.

"I want to thank the men and women of the Minot Police Department and Ward County Sheriff's Department for a great working relationship," said Mr. Berglund. "I also thank all the men and women of the 5th SFS operations flight, because I don't do this job alone. Each one has their responsibilities in order for us to complete the mission."