OFFICER DOWN MEMORIAL PODCAST

In 1956, law enforcement in Le Sueur County looked very different than it does today. At that time, the entire sheriff's office was made up of just two men—Sheriff Pat W. Smith Sr., and one deputy: Robert "Bob" Moravec.   Bob Moravec was more than just a deputy. A proud Marine Corps veteran, he had served his country before joining the sheriff's office in 1948. Known throughout the community for his character and presence, Bob was widely respected—a local hero in every sense. He was also an exceptional athlete, having played football for the Quantico Marines Devil Dogs and even earning an invitation to try out for the New York Giants.   But in the early morning hours of April 27th, 1956, tragedy struck.  While en route between calls, Deputy Moravec's patrol vehicle suddenly left the roadway. It slammed into a concrete culvert and rolled into a ditch, killing him instantly. In the aftermath, investigators discovered green paint transfer on his new (2 week old) 1956 Oldsmobile—raising troubling questions about whether another vehicle had been involved.  Despite those questions, no definitive answers were ever found.   Deputy Moravec's death left a profound impact on the department, the community, and most importantly, his family. He was survived by his young wife Kathleen and their two daughters, Sharon and Michelle.   With the support of Brett Mason and Bob's daughter Sharon, we are honored to share his story.  Because remembering Deputy Robert Moravec is more than looking back—it's a commitment to ensure his service and sacrifice are never forgotten.   ​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.    Check out this hero's Memorial page on our website for some great photos shared by his family:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/robert-moravec If you would like to support this podcast, click here: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   

33 year old Arnold Ottinius Borson was the City Marshal for the small city of Ghent, located in the SE Minnesota County of Lyon.  He had been married less than two years and had quickly become a respected and trusted law officer in this small Belgian immigrant community.       It was the early morning hours of Monday August 18th.  Arnold had been notified of a possible burglary in progress at a local service garage.  Arnold and his brother-in-law responded to help the business owner check his garage when they interupted two burglars trying to break into the business safe.  The two suspects jumped out the garage window and ran.  In the end, both suspects would escape, even after one of them had been shot with a shotgun.  Arnold was also shot, and would die from his injuries 4 days later at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.  The two suspect were never identified or apprehended, and Arnold's murder would remain unsolved forever.   Arnold's story was all but forgotten until his great nephew learned his Uncle Arnold Borson's name was not on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall like he assumed it was.   His great grand nephew, retired Colorado Springs Sergeant Jim Stinson, helps tell Arnold's story and why it was important for him to work to finally get is great uncle recognized 73 years after his murder.           This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to donate to this project:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

MURDERED DEPUTY ROBERT (BEEFY) LAWSON'S BADGE UNRETIRED 44 YEARS LATER AND REISSUED TO HIS GRANDSON  On December 17th, 2025 the Itasca County Sheriff's Office un-retired Deputy Robert (Beefy) Lawson's badge number 703 and issued it to Beefy's grandson, Donald (DJ) Roberts.  DJ was just 2 years old when his grandfather was murdered saving the lives of a young mother and her kids from being killed by her deranged ex-husband.  In this follow up episode, Beefy's family and friends talk about Beefy's death, how his murder affected this family, and how this community came together over 40 years later to remember and honor Beefy in this northern Minnesota community.  DJ also shares his memories and how he recognizes the responsibility that's been given to him to carry on his grandfather's legacy of service.  This is such a heartwarming special episode highlighting how Beefy's influence continues to make an impact in Itasca County.      Watch the full video of the badge presentation here provided by our friends at Itasca Community Television :    FULL PRESENTATION VIDEO   Listen to Deputy Beefy Lawson's complete story here:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/robert-lawson   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help support this podcast: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING:  Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK. Help is just a phone call away.

South St Paul Police Officer Leo Pavlak was a newly hired officer back in 1933.  He joined the department during a challenging time in our state and country's history - years of prohibition, the Great Depression, and high unemployment left folks struggling in this community.  St. Paul had become a refuge for many of the most notorious gangsters of modern American history. John Dillinger and Billie Frechette, Ma Barker and her boys, "Babyface" Nelson, Alvin Karpis, and others considered St. Paul a safe haven at some point during their "careers." Minnesota became an epicenter of illegal activity, with major crimes committed across the state.   In August of 1933, while SSPPD Officer Leo Pavlak and Officer John Yeaman were escorting bank messengers with one of the large stockyard's payroll, they were confronted by one of the countries most notorious crime families. This shootout left Officer Pavlak dead and Officer Yeaman fighting for his life.  The hunt for these killers took the FBI all over the country.  Officer Pavlak left behind his wife Pauline and his two children Eleanor and Robert.   Officer Pavlak's service and sacrifice has influenced 3 generations of law enforcement officers within his family to serve careers with agencies in the Twin Cities metro area. His positive influence has impacted the lives of several generations of people in these communities - and he continues to make a difference today through his great great grandson who is currently serving in St Paul.   You can see many pictures including original evidence photos, the BCA report, and many family photos on his memorial page at:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/leo-pavlak    This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help support this podcast:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

In 1925 the city of Minneapolis was home to around 420,000 citizens during a post WW1 era that was defined by the jazz age and prohibition.  The month of december had been a violent one in the city with the murder of a former U of M football star, a gun battle in a drug store, and a doctor kidnapping among other violent crimes.  58 year old Sergeant Michael Lawrence, a 26 year veteran of MPD, was the leader of the 4th Precinct Gun Squad - a team dispatched to violent crimes where weapons were involved.  This night Sergeant Lawrence and his team would go out on the hunt for a shooter who had just shot a grocery store owner in NW Minneapolis.  The night would end with three shot, and two dead, including the murder of this MPD veteran who was planning and looking forward to his upcoming retirement.      Sergeant lawrence was survived by his wife and four children, and was the 14th Minneapolis Officer to fall in the line of duty.     This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help support this podcast:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

  23 year old Curtis Alan Felt grew up in the community he was serving in Douglas County Minnesota. Curt didn't have family in law enforcement. He wasn't carrying on a family tradition. He simply loved this community he grew up in and felt the calling to do his part to help make it a little better, a little safer for his family and friends. His story is a stark reminder of the risks the men and women who serve take on every day they put on the badge. His murder also reminded residents that violence against law enforcement can happen anywhere - even in small rural communities like Douglas County. This young hero paid the ultimate sacrifice after being shot while in the offices of the Sheriff's Office - just 7 months after being married.  His wife Donna and fellow deputy Bill Ingebrigtsen (Retired Douglas County Sheriff and MN Senator) help us tell this hero's story.   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Learn how you can help our mission here:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

Joseph Bergeron was an officer everyone in Maplewood MN knew and loved.  He was one to always treat others like he would want to be treated - he was kind, caring, and compassionate with everyone he came in contact with.  That Saturday morning he had taken an overtime shift so a fellow co-worker could take the day off to support his children at a school sports event.  At the begining of his shift that morning he was advised of an armed carjacking and responded to help find the suspects.  While searching he came across two young men on a walking trail.  This brief encounter would result in his brutal and sensless murder and a manhunt that would end in another officer hurt, one of the two cop killers shot and killed, and a community in mourning.      Sergeant Bergeron was just months away from retirement and left behind his wife Gail and 13 year old twin daughters Allie and Sam.    This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.       Learn how you can support our mission:   https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.

In this special bonus episode retired Hennepin County Sheriff's Captain David Zimmer from the Center of the American Experiment, a supporter of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, interviews Sheriff Rose discussing his background, how the podcast got started, how it's put together, it's purpose and it's mission.  Sheriff Rose also gives you a sneak peak at the next fallen officer to be featured.   You can also watch the video of this interview here: Interview video on the American Experiment Podcast For more than 30 years, Center of the American Experiment has been the most impactful and effective public policy organization in Minnesota. It leads the way in creating and advocating policies that make Minnesota a freer, more prosperous and better-governed state. Center of the American Experiment is a civic and educational 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. Thank you to Law Enforcement Labor Services in Minnesota for helping sponsor this program. Learn how you can help support our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission

Allen Richard Lloyd ​​​​grew up in SE Minnesota graduating from high school in 1967 and had considered a career in law enforcement, expressing interest in the highway patrol.  He was drafted into the Army in 1969 and sent to fight in Vietnam in July of 1970.   Growing up Allen loved to have fun and goof around.  His pride and joy was his 1957 Chevrolet.  In the Army, Allen excelled working his way up to Sergeant and serving as a Green Beret member of Command and Control, North, 5th Special Forces Group.  On February 18, 1971, after having to abort a recon mission due to enemy fire, Allen and his crew were being rescued by a Bell Iroquois Utility Helicopter (UH-1H) from the west side of A Shau Valley, Thua Tin Province, in South Vietnam. At take off he was attached to a three staple rig. The helicopter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed.  With the help of fellow soldiers, friends, and family, this episode tells the story of Allen, how we lost him in war, and the efforts that continue today to bring his remains home.   ​ Click this link to find out how you can help the mission to bring Allen home.      HELP BRING ALLEN LLOYD HOME   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.​ Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

Andrew Salinas, the man who shot and killed Police Chief Greg Lange from the city of Claremont in SE MN in 1988 has been granted his 5th Parole Hearing April 11th, 2025.  In this special episode of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast Greg's wife Sue explains how Greg's brutal murder impacted her and her 12 year old son, how she moved forward with her mission to help other law enforcement survivor families, and how they need your help again to keep this COP KILLER in prison where he belongs.  You'll also hear how Greg saved the life of a young woman and her 5 month old daughter, and in doing so gave his own. Here is the link to Chief Lange's NO PAROLE page explaining how you can help: https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-the-lange-family NOTE: Letters must be submitted by April 11th, 2025 Thank you to Law Enforcement Labor Services for helping support this mission and to the Officer Down Memorial Page for always supporting these survivor families.  

It was August of 1978 in NW Minnesota when a Canadian Border Agent reported a "run-through" at the Roseau Port of Entry 10 miles north of the county seat of Roseau.   Run-throughs were a fairly common occurrence with locals crossing the border after hours, often heading home and simply not wanting to drive the longer distances for the 24-hour ports.  There were no gates back then, just orange traffic cones placed after hours blocking the road.  If caught, violators would get escorted back to the border by law enforcement and risk a $100 fine.  The Roseau County Sheriff's Office received the call and dispatched Richard Kim Magnuson (Rick) to respond to try and locate the vehicle.  Rick was a young new deputy working the night shift and stopped a southbound truck on Highway 310.   This "run-through" incident would end in Rick being murdered by a wanted man who recently killed three other citizens in Canada. In stopping this truck and paying the ultimate sacrifice in the process, Rick's actions stopped the killing and saved the lives of other cops and innocent citizens.  Rick is the only Line of Duty Death to-date for the Roseau County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota.   ​​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to learn how you can support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

​​A close-knit community rooted deep with tradition, the South Central Minnesota town of New Ulm was busy celebrating our country's independence and their strong German Heritage.  One of the original settlers of that area was the Winkelmann family – and their 32 year old son Albert was the young Night Watchman that evening.  While Albert had only been serving this community for less than a year, locals described him as a young man everyone was fond of -  a splendid officer, always obliging, conservative, and courageous.  This festive night would end with Albert being ambushed and shot in the early morning hours of July 5th.  What followed was an aggressive investigation, a prominent local man charged and then acquitted for his murder, and a community reeling over the loss of a hero.      ​​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to learn how you can help support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised.   

43 year old Mike Hogan grew up in Hutchinson Minnesota, served his country in Vietnam after high school, and returned to his home town to serve as a police officer.  When he wasn't patrolling or coaching at the high school, he was spending time with his wife and three kids.  Mike loved being a cop, loved his country, loved this community, and loved his family. On a bitterly cold Friday night in December, Mike would get dispatched to a shoplifting complaint at the JC Penny store in the local mall.  A misdemeanor shoplifting call ended in Mike getting murdered by an ex-con, followed by a series of multi-county crimes including a carjacking, 3 kidnappings, a rape, a high speed pursuit, and a standoff with hostages before Mike's murderer would finally be taken into custody. His murder left his family devastated, an agency in mourning, and this normally quiet, rural community in shock at the loss of this local hero.     ​​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to see how you can help support our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

In this Special Edition of the Invisible Wounds Project we talk about Suicide Prevention Within Law Enforcement with the founder and Executive Director of the Invisible Wounds Project, Russ Hanes. Russ worked in nearly every aspect of law enforcement and public safety before walking away from his career due to challenges with PTSD and suicidal ideation - affects of cumulative stress from years of service.  After recognizing the need for mental health support for first responders in Minnesota and realizing the lack of services that were available, he started the Invisible Wounds Project and continues to serve out of their support center in Forest Lake Minnesota. This incredible organization is like no other in the way it supports Minnesota's first responders and their families.  An important episode for all MN first responders and their families - also an important episode for supervisors and administrators.  All of the links mentioned in this episode can be found at:  www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/IWProject This episode is brought to you by Law Enforcement Labor Services in Minnesota.    IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING PLEASE KNOW THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE 24/7 BY PHONE. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK.  Help is just a phone call away.

In this small rural North Dakota community of Napoleon, Highway Patrolman Beryl McLane was well known and well liked. You might see him chatting it up at the post office, or downtown in the coffee shop visiting with the locals.  He was a man dedicated to service, having served in WWI and then for a handful of police departments in the southern part of the State before becoming a North Dakota Highway Patrolman.   In 22 years of law enforcement service, at 5'11" and 230 pounds, Beryl hadn't been in any incident he couldn't handle until this late July Friday afternoon.  In a split-second Beryl was gone - leaving behind his wife Bernice, adult children Robert and Beverly, and his beloved 3 year old grandson Kenneth.   He is North Dakota Highway Patrol's first and only recorded Line of Duty Death since they started in 1935.    You can see all the photos from this story on this hero's webpage at: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/beryl-mclane   ​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to see how you can support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

  Deputy Edward (Ed) Eades was a Deputy Sheriff serving in the central Minnesota county of Meeker, located just over 60 miles West of Minneapolis.  A small, quiet county consisting of low rolling hills, a few wooded areas, and many lakes and ponds. The rest of the area is focused on agriculture. A quiet fall night ends up in 3 officer involved shootings in 3 different communities, with two officers shot, and the suspect shot.  One of these heroes, was veteran Deputy Edward Eades, who would lose his life from his gunshot injuries.  He left behind his wife Edith and kids David and Darlene, and is the first and only line of duty death ever recorded in Meeker County Minnesota. You can see photos from this incident on Deputy Eades' webpage at www.officerdownmemoriralpodcast.com/edward-eades   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to see how you can support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

If you are in law enforcement, a spouse or parent of a law enforcement officer, or an LE supporter, this is a good one for you.  In this special episode we share an interview Sheriff Rose recently did with Podcast 1's Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley. https://www.police1.com/columnists/James-Dudley  Policing Matters is a weekly law enforcement podcast bringing you the latest news and critical issues impacting police officers.  Here is the link to the video of this interview: https://www.police1.com/health-wellness/addressing-the-emotional-toll-of-policing  You can find more great interviews and resources on their webpage at www.police1.com/policing-matters.  Other links from the show that we discussed include: www.police1.com www.bluehelp.com www.nleomf.org  Click here to see how you can support our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission Please contact us here if you have a fallen hero story you think should be told: https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/submit-your-hero-s-story  This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.

Deputy Terry Hanson was a father of four, grandfather to two, and one of the veteran cops serving with the Rice County Sheriff's Office. Co-workers referred to him as a "Mountain of a Man", the nicest guy, one who was always looking out for the younger deputies. He was on patrol on a Friday night when he recognized a stolen vehicle in the city of Faribault. His attempted vehicle stop resulted in the suspects fleeing, which turned into a dangerous high-speed pursuit with speeds up to 100 mph in the city. The suspects ran cars off the roadway, forced pedestrians off the road, and rammed Terry's squad several times before finally being stopped by a roadblock. The suspects, unknown to law enforcement until they got them stopped, were two teenage girls who were runaways wanting to flee to California. Terry lost his life at the end of this incident, inspite of the desperate efforts of his partners to try and save him. Terry's family and his fellow deputies who were there help tell this heroes story - a story that reminds us of the unseen dangers of this profession, and the sacrifices our heroes and their families make every day for our communities. ​ WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised. ​ This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here to see how you can support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion advised. 

 In each episode of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, Sheriff Scott Rose shares the stories of how these men and women heroically lost their lives in the Line of Duty. This podcasts gives you a glimpse of what law enforcement officers and their families go through every day to help keep our communities safe. These stories take you back in time to the era and the community where we lost these heroes. You'll feel like you were there when we lost these officers.   These stories are real and raw. Our mission is to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, and to show how our men and women who serve in law enforcement are true heroes every day they put on the badge. These podcasts are produced in a story telling format sharing these officer's stories based on input from the men and women who served with them and the families who were left behind. Older stories are written using historical documents and newspaper records. The goal of this program is to honor these fallen heroes, to remember their service, to always support the families they left behind, and to never forget their sacrifice.    (This trailer uses tracks from multiple episodes of the podcast to give you a brief sampling of what to expect when you dive into this podcast and these episodes.  Learn more about the podcast at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com) * CONTENT WARNING * Some of these stories contain strong language and violent adult content, which may be upsetting to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

MURDERS IN MORRISON COUNTY "The Story of Sheriff John Stack and Chief Deputy Andrew Herlitz"   If you threw a dart at the center of Minnesota, you'd likely hit Morrison County.  Focused on agriculture and tourism, this was your typical rural MN county- where families and kids felt safe and crime was low back in the mid 60s. Sheriff John Stack and Chief Deputy Andrew Herlitz ran a patrol crew of four along with the county jail.  Their kids tell stories of playing outside the jail, even playing board games inside the jail with inmates.  It's really an interesting story of how back in the day, the entire family was involved - from cooking, to cleaning, even taking emergency phone calls. This community would change forever on October 15th when the Sheriff's Office received a call requesting assistance mediating a dispute between farmers. While some calls like this can seem routine for rural law enforcement, this call would remind this small tight knit community that no call is routine. These two heroes responded to the farm - they'd dealt with this farmer before and felt they had a good rapport with him. In the end, the county's top two law enforcement officials were ambushed and murdered leaving behind two grieving families and a stunned community asking how could this happen in Morrison County?   Nearly 60 years later, the children from both families help us tell the story of these two amazing heroes, the impact they made on this community, and the legacy that continues today.   We have several family pictures, newspaper articles, and evidence photos on these heroes respective websites on our page: https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/john-stack https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/andrew-herlitz     This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to learn how you can support our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

  A Trooper everyone loved at this agency - a great cop, great father, and a great friend.  He loved being a State Trooper.  Loved helping people.  Most importantly, he loved his family - his beautiful wife Denise and kids Alison, Alana, and Colin.  His friends called him Timmy.  He always showed everyone he came in contact with kindness and compassion.  While his primary responsibility was traffic safety when on patrol, he was always there to help back up other cops in his district if then needed help.  Including the night Chisago County Deputies were called to a shooting in June of 1997.  As usual, Tim was there to help and quick to volunteer to go in and help the victims and apprehend the shooter.  His actions, along with the others who responded, saved lives that night.  Unfortunately, this was a call he would not survive.  Tim's death left a family devastated, a department stunned, and an entire state in mourning.  He set the bar high, and his kindness will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.       This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to learn how you an support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.  If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK.  Help is just a phone call away.  

Judson Randall moved to Freeborn County after serving as the youngest soldier in Company D, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry during the Civil War.  He married Nancy Wiggins and they settled in Freeborn County MN.  Judson became a successful wheat buyer and served part-time as a special policeman when the local Albert Lea chief needed extra help.  During this time smallpox was the latest silent killer bringing fear to Americans.  There were already over 1000 documented cases in MN with 28 deaths in the region.  Law Enforcement became involved in helping assist health authorities, and an altercation and assault over the quarantining of an infected citizen ended in the death of this local hero and war veteran. ​ This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to learn how you can help support our mission:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  

Minnesota State Trooper Tim Bowe was one of those cops you wanted to partner with, the one you wanted to back you on a call, the one first through the door - athletic, big, strong, and tough.  Wednesday November 22nd we'll take you back to June of 1997 where we'll share his entire story and walk you through the night when we lost this hero.  Click here to listen to a preview of the Tim Bowe Story, brought to you in part by Law Enforcement Labor Services in Minnesota. www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com      

Marshal Bradley Rogers loved serving the community of Lake City, and this community loved him.  He was known to be courteous and pleasant, and was always on the lookout for the city's best interests.  It was Tuesday morning, the night after the opera, the night after the Marshal removed a young man by the name of Daniel Bush, who was preaching to those entering the opera house declaring himself the second Christ.  Bush's manic episodes were known in the city, and he wasnt known to be violent, until that Tuesday morning when he killed Marshal Rogers.     ​ This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and disturbing content may be disturbing to some listeners. 

A young local Sheriff that everyone liked in this small Minnesota community, Sheriff Joseph Rogers had been this town's top cop for about two years when the brutal assault of a local couple and the assault of an unsuspecting farmer led him to being handed the task of hunting down those responsible, only to result in a gun battle that he would not survive.  His murder would lead to chaos in this community where towns people, area officials, and even the Governor couldn't prevent two more men from being killed before this dark chapter of McLeod County's history would end.    The data used to compile this story, along with several related pictures on our website were courtesy of the book The Midnight Gavel of Judge Lynch, researched and written by retired McLeod County Sheriff Scott Rehmann.  There is an impressive amount of detail researched in this book along with many actual photos related to this case. This is a great book and is available from Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Gavel-Judge-Lynch/dp/3242869400 This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and disturbing content may be disturbing to some listeners.    

In this special episode, we'll talk about some of the stories coming soon on the podcast and we share Scott's visit with the Tom Barnard Show on the morning of National Law Enforcement Memorial Day.  If you haven't checked out Tom's show, it's a must to add to your podcast list.  Tom and his crew are so much fun to listen to and start your day! You can find out more at tombarnardshow.com or search for the the Tom Barnard Show in your App Store or anywhere you listen to podcasts.   We're always looking for new fallen hero stories to share so if you have a story you feel needs to be told, please contact us here: https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/submit-your-hero-s-story  ​​If you are interested in supporting our mission and the National COPS organization, click here for more info: www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast

In this special episode I'm on the air in Tuscon AZ with Ben Buehler-Garcia from American Warrior Radio hosting the Buckmaster Radio show along with Nohemy Hite from the Erik Hite Foundation - Nohemy shares her husband's story along with their foundation, I talk about the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, and we discuss the importance of remembering and honoring our fallen.  Nohemy's mission is inspiring and I love the work her foundation is doing for First Responders.  It was truly an honor to be on the show with her and Ben.  Click here to learn more about the Erik Hite Foundation:  https://erikhitefoundation.org This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission

A local law enforcement leader everyone loved and recognized, a cop everyone in this small rural county knew and loved. Loring Guenther moved to this community to make a difference, and he left a positive impact on everyone he ever came into contact with.  A series of office scandals and indiscretions, along with a new Sheriff who's leadership style did not align with Loring's, created a toxic work environment, an environment that Loring felt was his responsibility to protect his staff from.  Loring had a big heart and loved his staff.  He was always there for everyone during this time and in the end, the stress was more than his big heart could handle.  This is a story about cumulative stress and the importance of law enforcement leaders creating healthy working cultures for their staff, who already take on an incredible amount of stress with this career.  This is a story about one of Scott Rose's best friends at work, one of the stories that influenced him to start this podcast.    This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click so see how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and disturbing content may be disturbing to some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK. Help is just a phone call away.

In this podcast I talk with COPS Multimedia Specialist Tony Williams about the organization, it's history, and it's long list of services and support it provides for agencies, officers currently serving and their families, and survivor families.  We also talked about their wellness programs and some planning services for cops - services I had no idea they provided.  We also talk about National Police Week in Washington DC and the amazing event they put on for our nations cops and survivor families.      Click here for the all the links to their programs and services:    https://linktr.ee/NationalCOPS   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.    

A local Sheriff who grew up in the community and committed his career to helping the youth of his county, Sheriff Don Eustice served his entire law enforcement career in Waseca County after serving our country in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1948.  In a time in the 70's where being Sheriff involved the entire family, Don's family tells the stories of growing up Sheriffs' sons and daughters.  Sheriff Eustice, who actually was usually unarmed, was loved in this community and had always been able to talk down every situation - except this time.  While trying to help someone struggling who he'd known his entire life, his life was violently cut short leaving behind a stunned community, a beloved wife, and 9 children -  all left to figure out how to move on without their beloved Sheriff, husband, and father.   See more pictures about this hero on his page at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/don-eustice.   This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission   WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 from the National Crisis Line by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK. Help is just a phone call away.

This is a special episode of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast.  Periodically, when we're working on new fallen hero episodes, we'll share additional content and interviews Scott has done with other podcasters.  This one was done a couple of years ago on the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Today Radio and Podcast Show with Jay Wiley where they talked about child predator internet stings that were done in Dodge County in years past.  A great podcast for parents as a reminder that you need to know where your kids are going online and who they are talking to.   You can check out more of Jay's episodes at Law Enforcement Today Radio Show and Podcast.  This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement labor Services, Inc.   Click here to learn how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission  WARNING:  Some content may be disturbing to some listeners.  Listener discretion is advised.

Chief Greg Lange was loved by all in this small town of 530 people, located just 30 minutes west of Rochester in SE Minnesota. The doors to his home were always open for kids after school who had nowhere else to go.  It was the end of a long 4th of July holiday weekend, and the city was finally quieting down for the night before a loud knock on the door woke Greg up.  It was a young local gal asking for help, reporting a domestic assault in progress at a home in Greg's neighborhood, a home he'd been to many times.  There he would be ambushed by two brothers, beaten and murdered - Greg gave his life that night and ultimately saved the lives of a young mother and her 5 month old baby girl.   The man who shot and killed Chief Lange is up for his 4th parole hearing after serving 35 years of his life sentence for the brutal murder.  This family needs our help to send letters to the state of Minnesota telling them to keep this cop killer in prison where he belongs.  Letters must be sent by Tuesday March 28th. Use this link to go to Greg's page on our website, and then click on the NO PAROLE FOR COP KILLERS logo to go to the Officer Down Memorial Page to find out how to send your letter to support this family.  This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission     

A Financial Crimes Investigator for the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office offers to help Homeland Security search for a missing female juvenile who ran away from Florida with a young male who had flown in from the UK.  Homeland Security has information that these two fled to Eau Claire Wisconsin where Investigator Bill Gray served.  Bill locates the male and is close to locating the female before he is violently attacked without warning in his squad and faces the fight of his life – a fight where only one would survive.  He shares his amazing story and lessons learned for other officers. Bill - "If you don't shoot them where it matters, it won't matter!"  Bill does public speaking for private companies and law enforcement sharing his story and teaching about officer safety, awareness, and human trafficking.  If you are interested in learning more about Bill's program, you can reach him by email at [email protected].     Click here to learn how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission    WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.  If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress due to mental health challenges, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide & Crisis Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK.  Help is just a phone call away. 

In this episode we do a quick review of our 2022 hero stories, share a sampling of stories for new listeners checking us out, and share a sincere thank you and Christmas greeting to all of our loyal subscribers and supporters.   Find out more about these stories on our website at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com, and make sure to subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss any of these amazing hero stories.  Click here to see how you can help our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from your friends at the Officer Down Memorial Podcast!  

A local cop everyone in this community knew and loved. A known prankster in his department. Everyone called him Tommy. He showed everyone he came in contact with respect and compassion regardless of the circumstances. On this night Tommy responded with his partner to do a welfare check to check on a suicidal subject. Minutes after going out on scene, Tommy was shot and killed outside Winner's Bar in Cold Spring Minnesota. The hunt for his killer went on for months and when the case was finally closed, it left locals with more questions than answers, and a wife and 4 children without their husband, father, and hero. You'll find several photos from this case on our website at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to learn how you can help: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission    WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK. Help is just a phone call away.

A gang ordered murder of a cop in retaliation for an alleged assault of an elderly black man on a bus, the subsequent murder of an alleged informant, a community afraid to serve on the jury, even defendents afraid to testify concerned the police won't be able to protect them from the Vice Lords and their leader Sharif Willis - who was implicated in Jerry's murder but never indicted.​​  Jerry was 53 years old, had served for 30 years in Minneapolis, and was only months away from retirement. His family was sentenced to life without their beloved husband, father, and grandfather - and now they need your help as one of his killers is up for parole in November.  Please help this family keep Jerry's cop killer in prison where they belong. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to see how you can help: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any sponsors or persons interviewed in this program.  Violent content may not be appropriate for younger listeners.

A gang ordered murder of a cop in retaliation for an alleged assault of an elderly black man on a bus, the subsequent murder of an alleged informant, a community afraid to serve on the jury, even defendents afraid to testify concerned the police wouldn't be able to protect them from the Vice Lords and their leader Sharif Willis - who was implicated in Jerry's murder but never indicted.​​   This is the Jerry Haaf Story from 1992 coming in October.  Fast forward 30 years, one of Jerry's killers is up for parole in November. Jerry was 53 years old, had served for 30 years in Minneapolis, and was only months away from retirement. His family was sentenced to life without their beloved husband, father, and grandfather - they believe his killers should get no less time.  Jerry's family needs your help to keep this cop killer in prison where he belongs.   You can help Jerry's family now by sending a letter to the MN DOC to deny this cop killer's parole request in November.  Click this link for more info on how you can help the Haaf Family: https://www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/jerryhaaf to find out how easy it is to help this family.   The Jerry Haaf Story, sponsored by the Law Enforcement Today Radio Show and Podcast, coming in mid October on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast.

As one officer takes a stolen vehicle report at a local mall, another officer locates the vehicle and before he can stop it, gets rammed by the suspect and the chase is on.  The suspect had a lengthy criminal history including previous vehicle thefts and he was determined to get away at any cost.  35 miles and around 30 minutes later, Investigator Liebenstein lost his life ending this dangerous pursuit and in doing so - saved others from injury or death.  This hero left behind his wife, three young kids, and a devastated agency and community.        This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.   Click here to see how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission    WARNING: Violent Content may be disturbing to some listeners. 

THE JACK WERNER STORY Jack Dean Werner proudly served in Vietnam and later as a Deputy for the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office in SE MN.  In May of 1977, a confrontation in the Apache Mall parking lot cost him his life – murdered by a young man whose mission was to kill a cop that night.  Deputy Werner left behind a young family and community stunned by his loss.      WARNING: Violent Content may be disturbing to some listeners.    Check out the casefile photos and more information from this story  at  www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.comClick this link for a preview.   You can find his complete story on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.   You can also download the complete story here:    THE JACK WERNER STORY   This preview is sponsored by our friends at www.letradioshow.com  Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast and the National COPS organization:  www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast  WARNING:  Violent Content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners.   

THE DUSTIN REICHERT STORY Today we remember the day we nearly lost Deputy Dustin Reichert from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.  In 2003, the small town of Andover Minnesota was rocked by an officer involved shooting.  A routine loud noise complaint ended in a shooting that left one dead and one with career ending gunshot wounds.  Two deputies share their involvement, their struggle with the incident and Cumulative PTSD, and their path to a new life and recovery. Check out the casefile photos and more information from this story on our website at  www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com.  Click this link for a preview.   You can find his complete story on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.  You can also download the complete story here:    The Dustin Reichert Story This preview is sponsored by our friends at www.letradioshow.com  Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast and the National COPS organization:  www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast WARNING:  Violent Content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. 

THE DOUG CLAASSEN STORY Today we remember the service and sacrifice of Chief Doug Claassen from the Hayfield Police Department in SE Minnesota.  It was today in 1977 that would change the course of Chief Claassen's life and the the lives of his survivor family members forever.  Click this link for a preview.   You can find his complete story at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.comor anywhere you listen to podcasts.  NEVER FORGOTTEN!   

Deputy Brian Etheridge was a young, enthusiastic deputy just beginning his career with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in Wichita Kansas.  On a fall afternoon, while finishing up lunch with fellow deputies, Brian was dispatched to a past action larceny complaint.  What should have been a simple report taking call ended in Brian being ambushed and shot by the very person he responded to help. His shooting and the manhunt that followed left this community, agency, and his family with more questions than answers.  His actions likely saved the lives of several officers that day.      There are several twists in this story right to the end, along with "the rest of the story" - how his amazing wife Sarah continues to mentor and give back to her law enforcement family that has supported her for over a decade. In her own incredible way she continues to serve in honor of Brian to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten.     Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast and the National COPS organization: www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast        WARNING:  Violent Content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. 

On our next episode we'll tell you about Deputy Brian Etheridge - a young, enthusiastic deputy just beginning his career with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in Wichita Kansas back in 2009.  Click here to learn more....   Case File Photos on our website now at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com   The Officer Down Memorial Podcast is sponsored by:  www.LetRadioShow.com    

THE DOUG CLAASSEN STORY Today we remember the service and sacrifice of Chief Doug Claassen from the Hayfield Police Department in SE Minnesota.  An undiagnosed injury from a violent assault would change the course of Chief Claassen's life and the the lives of his survivor family members forever - and cost Chief Claassen his life on this day in 1999.  Click this link for a preview.   You can find his complete story and photographs on our website at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com. on Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts.   NEVER FORGOTTEN! 

THE WILLIAM FREYTAG STORYWilliam (Bill) H. Freytag was a proud father of 5, a full-time engineer at IBM, and an active Reserve Officer for the Rochester Police Department.  He loved his kids dearly and loved serving to help keep his community safe -  service that cost Bill his life in 1961 while working downtown.  He was the city's first fallen hero, Rochester PD's first recorded Line of Duty Death.  Click the link to here a preview of this hero's story.  This hero's full story is available on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.  NEVER FORGOTTEN!  WARNING: Content may be disturbing to some listeners 

THE THOMAS CARROLL STORY A well respected and well liked Detention Deputy, Thomas Carroll served as an Adult Detention Center Deputy in Minnesota for 9 years following his service as a US Navy Veteran.  A former Sheriff and Officer help tell the story of this man, his service to their community, and the sad and ironic circumstances on the day he lost his life.  Click here to listen to the preview. Hear the full story on our website at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com, on Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.   NEVER FORGOTTEN! WARNING: Content may be disturbing to some listeners

It was 1940 in this lakeside community of Waterville Minnesota - all eyes were on World War II and the Depression.  Families were struggling to make ends meet.  The fishing business in southern Minnesota was one of the few industries helping to keep this small community a float during these tough times, providing food and jobs for the locals.  Unfortunately, this kind of stress and pressure has it's breaking point, and in the end resulted in the brutal murder of three Game Wardens.  Not three, but four men dead during this case on a warm summer afternoon in this normally quiet community.  The deadliest day in Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) history.  This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. You'll find photos from this case on our website at  www.officerdownmemorialpodast.com Click here to learn how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission     

The Officer Down Memorial Podcast will give you a glimpse of what law enforcement officers and their families go through every day to help keep our communities safe. These stories take you back in time to the era and the community where we lost these heroes. You'll feel like you were there when we lost this officer. These stories are real and raw. Our mission is to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, and to show how our men and women who serve in law enforcement are true heroes every day they put on the badge.   WARNING: Episodes may contain strong language and violent content that may be disturbing to some.  Listener discretion is advised.   Visit our website to find more information about these heroes along with family and case photos and more - NEVER FORGOTTEN!  www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com.     

We're working on a triple murder case from Minnesota - one of the worst law enforcement cases in the state's history.  Download this episode for more info on that story and when it will release, plus get updates on the progress of the podcast, and some new stories and other stuff coming up.  Thanks as always for listening and for your support.  Scott www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com If you are interested in supporting our mission and the National COPS organization, click here for more info:  www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast     

Deputy Brandy Winfield was a lifelong resident of Marion County in North Central Ohio - his great grandfather served with the Sheriff's Office, and his father and brother both served as officers with the Marion City Police Department.  Brandy started serving as a young teen in the Explorer Program with the Sheriff's Office and worked his way up through Dispatch, Corrections, and Patrol.  At 29 years old, he was living his dream of being a law enforcement officer - he had a beautiful wife Sara and two amazing young sons Landon and Tyler at home. Sara also served as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher.  That night Brandy stopped to help a disabled motorist and was executed by the man he stopped to help - followed by an intense manhunt in the city of Marion.  His wife Sara continues to assist survivor families with the National C.O.P.S. Organization, and his oldest son Landon, who was 3 when he was murdered, is studying law enforcement to serve his community following a family tradition of service.           Click here to learn how you can help:  https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission ​ ​​​     WARNING: Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.