Waseca officer Arik Matson given surprise gift

Monday morning in Waseca, an officer who has given so much was surprised with a gift.

Officer Arik Matson was given a customized golf cart that resembles his old Waseca Police squad car.

"I kept thinking, what can we do to make his life easier? And I’d heard he really missed driving, so I thought this was the best thing possible," said Shelly Bartlett, who helped organize the surprise donation.

Matson was critically injured after being shot in the line of duty in January of 2020. He’s undergone reconstructive surgery, speech therapy and physical therapy since then. He was finally able to return home last October.

The golf cart was paid for by donations from the community and was intended to increase Matson’s mobility.

"I can’t wait to pick my daughters up from the bus stop and cruise home with them," Matson said.

"At this point in his recovery, he can start feeling more independent. Just to be able to get out and get fresh air, talk with neighbors, get the mail," his wife Megan Matson said.