The unexpected death of a southern Minnesota police officer is provoking fresh conversations and concerns about mental health among first responders.

The Le Sueur Police Department on Monday announced the passing of Karl Haugen, 41, who the department said served the Le Sueur-Henderson community since 2008.

Karl Haugen's brother, Mikkel, told WCCO News that Karl first spoke of being a first responder as early as high school.

"He took his service and his work very seriously," he recalled. "My oldest brother and I did athletics in college and Karl wanted to work. He wanted to be in public service. That was his thing."

According to Karl Haugen's family, he worked for the state and also as a corrections officer in Faribault before working for Le Seuer police in both part-time and full-ti

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