All hands on deck for La Crosse’s police keeping people safe over the weekend

No days off for La Crosse Police Department — at least this week, anyway.

Thousands will be in La Crosse to take part in the Oktoberfest festivities.

Police Captain Jason Melby says they try to make sure their officers are taken care of, while they take care of everyone else.

“The guys do work long hours for the Oktoberfest weekend,” Melby said. “We try to make sure they don’t work too long a timeframes. That we get them off their feet and get them plenty of breaks.”

Melby added that officers are often coming in on their days off.

The tapping of the golden keg takes place at 11 a.m. today. The Maple Leaf parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.