Maplewood Police Hold Fundraiser For Fallen Officer Memorial
MINNEAPOLS (WCCO) -– The Maplewood Police Department held a fundraiser Saturday to help build a memorial to fallen police officer.
Nearly a year ago, Sgt. Joe Bergeron, who served as a policeman for 25 years, was shot and killed while searching for two carjacking suspects. Now his fellow officers are trying to build a memorial to him in front of their building.
Before Saturday, the department was half-way to its goal of $100,000. And with a big community turnout, it will likely reach that goal.
"We're just amazed at the turnout," said Maplewood Police Chief David Thomalla. "The parking lots are full or cars, the inside is full of people."
The fundraiser was held at the Maplewood Community Center, the same place where Bergeron's death was mourned by hundreds.
"It really gives me a warm feeling inside," said Donald Bergeron, Joe's brother. "It's great to just to see all this support for my brother."
Maplewood will dedicate the monument on May 1, the anniversary of Bergeron's death.
He was the first Maplewood officer killed on duty.
