On the sidelines and in the streets, caught in the riptide of race and reconciliation, Charles Adams prided himself on keeping a cool optimism.

But on a painful night this spring, as his Minneapolis erupted in anger and he readied to face protesters in his riot gear, dread consumed him.

He was a 20-year veteran of the police force, an African-American officer whotried to effect change from the inside. He was also the coach of a state championship football team in a poor, Black neighborhood,and a steadfast shepherd for his players.

As the sky darkened, he feared for them.Where were they? Were they safe?

He feared for himself. His uniform made him a target. The face shield and gas mask hid his identity from the angry crowds, obscuring the beloved figure he has been across large swaths of the city.