Deputy Sheriff Ernest Zettergren, Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota

Deputy Sheriff Ernest Zettergren

Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota

End of Watch Monday, December 7, 1953

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Ernest Zettergren

Deputy Sheriff Ernest Zettergren was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at a local tavern at 6003 University Avenue NE in Fridley.

He had noticed that a window was broken out at the business and pulled up behind a car in front of it. He was able to radio the license plate when the suspect came out and approached the vehicle at 3:59 a.m. The man immediately shot Deputy Zettergren twice and then fled with the officer's weapon and clipboard.

The man, 35, an ex-convict with a lengthy criminal record, was arrested later in the morning and confessed to the murder. He was convicted of second degree murder a week later and sentenced to life in Stillwater Prison. He hanged himself in his cell on January 31, 1954.

Deputy Zettergren had served with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office for five years and previously served with the Columbia Heights Police Department. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Committed suicide in prison

burglary, convicted felon

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Dear Grandpa,

We never got the chance to meet you because you were taken long before any of us were born. My mom had told us all stories about you. She would always attend the Law Enforcement Memorials. She would let us kids go with her to the Law Enforcement Memorial Services if any of us wanted to go. I would go with mom and grandma to the services. I still go when they have them. It is an honor to go and be a part of them. But they haven't had them for a while now due to Covid stuff that went on. I wait each year to hear if they will be having it again. I have taken both of my grandkids to them. I know that my mom, grandma, aunt and uncles are with you again. Thank you, Mom & Grandma, for taking me to the Police Memorials so that I am to honor you and all of the other fallen officers.

From One of Your Granddaughters
Who is honored and proud that you were my grandfather.

March 10, 2025