Hundreds pay respects to slain Maplewood police officer
Hundreds of mourners waited in cold and windy weather to pay their respects to slain Maplewood Police Sgt. Joe Bergeron on Wednesday.
The 26-year police veteran was fatally shot while responding to a carjacking near Lake Phalen on Saturday. He is survived by his wife and 13-year-old twin daughters.
The visitation at the flag-lined Maplewood Community Center attracted local residents, fellow officers, friends and family.
"It was such a senseless tragedy and I think people more than ever are supporting the police and appreciating everything that they do," said Maplewood resident Jay Stutsman. "So they are here to show support, the same as we are."
Stutsman said he didn't know Bergeron personally, but he frequently bikes and runs around Lake Phalen and was disturbed to hear about the crime.
A funeral for Sgt. Bergeron is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Paul. A memorial fund has been set up for Bergeron's family at the City and County Credit Union in Maplewood.
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