Sergeant Joseph Anthony Bergeron, Maplewood Police Department, Minnesota

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Bergeron

Maplewood Police Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Saturday, May 1, 2010

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Joseph Anthony Bergeron

Sergeant Joseph Bergeron was shot and killed at approximately 7:00 am while attempting to question two men in connection with an earlier carjacking incident.

He located the men near the intersection of English Street and Arlington Avenue, in St. Paul, approximately 10 minutes after responding to reports of the carjacking. As he exited his patrol car, one of the men approached him and immediately opened fire, fatally wounding him.

A passerby who heard the shots and witnessed the shooter running from the scene immediately went to Sergeant Bergeron's aid and used his radio to call for assistance. Sergeant Bergeron died at the scene.

Approximately four hours after this shooting, an officer assigned to the crime scene's perimeter noticed one of the suspects walking out of the nearby woods near Ivy and Prosperity Avenues. The officer confronted the suspect, who then struck him in the face with a toolbox, breaking his nose and fracturing his eye sockets. The officer was able to fatally shoot the suspect during the ensuing struggle over control of the officer's weapon.

The second suspect surrendered to officers two hours later without further incident. He was subsequently sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Sergeant Bergeron had served with the Maplewood Police Department for 26 years. He is survived by his wife and twin daughters.

Bio

Age 49
Tour 26 years
Badge 357

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed; second suspect 35 years

investigation

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 10, 2024