Officer Down Memorial Podcast

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.      You'll find several photos from this case on our website at  www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com   This episode 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 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.    You'll find photos from this case on our website at  www.officerdownmemorialpodast.com   This episode 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. 

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.  You'll find photos from this case on our website at  www.officerdownmemorialpodast.com Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast and the National COPS organization:  www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast     

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.     www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

It was the summer of 1967 in Rochester Minnesota - a rainy morning in August when Officer Floyd Haley failed to return to the police station with the rest of the night shift, his body discovered later by his friend and fellow Officer Fred Kelly. This community found itself stunned as they said goodbye to this hero and watched as their police department worked day and night, with few leads, to identify and bring Officer Floyd's killers to justice.   WARNING: Violent Content may be disturbing to some listeners.    www.iwproject.org   www.1sthelp.org       www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

In this episode Sheriff Rose reviews some of the many amazing stories shared throughout this past year on the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, shares how the podcast has grown throughout the year, and also shares information about the podcast's new partner – Thin Blue Line USA.  It's a thank you to those who've followed and shared these fallen hero stories, as well as a great introduction to newer listeners and those just checking in to see what this new project is all about.  Thank you to everyone who's supported this important mission and helped make this podcast rank in the top 5% of podcasts globally.     www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com     www.thinbluelineusa.com A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Officer Brian Klinefelter was a young, enthusiastic officer serving in the city of St. Joseph in Central Minnesota.  It was January, and wind chills were 30-40 below zero that night.  Brian stopped a vehicle matching one used in a local armed robbery that night – and he was shot 5 times.  A huge man hunt, a kidnapping, and a large area search on foot followed.  In the end, 1 suspect was shot and killed, 2 were apprehended, and Brian was dead.  Officer Klinefelter left behind his wife and 3 month old daughter.  Brian's wife, two officers who were on-scene, and a passerby that stopped to assist, help tell this incredible story about heroism and courage – reminding us how amazing and selfless the men and women are who take on this calling and risk their lives to keep our families and our communities safe day and night.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Chris, Scott, and Shaun are all active duty police officers in the Chicago suburbs who host a podcast called 3 COPS TALK.  This was a fun show talking about cop stuff, some of the struggles our cops are facing today, and about our podcast and some of the amazing heroes' stories we get to share.  More powerful stories coming soon.  NEVER FORGOTTEN! 3 Cops Talk: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

We had a little issue with the audio file from this week's episode, The John Scanlon Story. The issue has been corrected! So if you previously downloaded the 10min version of the episode, please re-download the full 56min version to get the full story. Thanks You All for your support!

He served in Vietnam and as a paramedic before serving as an officer for the Robbinsdale PD.  A burglary in the early hours of Valentines Day resulted in his execution while sitting in his squad - by the very suspect they were searching for. John left behind his wife and one year old son they'd officially adopted just a few months before his murder. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

A dedicated cop who quickly worked his way up the ranks and excelled in every position he earned. On the outside – he had a great career, a beautiful wife, two amazing kids he adored, and a beautiful home to raise his family in. On the inside – the stress, PTSD, and chronic pain from multiple injuries at work would become too much for him to bare.    A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

These days our cops are struggling.  The job is more stressful than ever with nearly 100 law enforcement suicides this year in the US.   Steve Hough of 1st Help shares how they support Law Enforcement Officers and their families – advocating for benefits for those suffering from PTSD and supporting survivor families of officers lost to suicide.    More info: www.1sthelp.org A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

We've lost nearly 100 officers to suicide in the US so far in 2021.  Shelley Jones from the Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation shares their mission to provide all survivors and co-workers of law enforcement suicide with enduring support - also working with the agencies to provide respect and dignity to the families of these fallen heroes.  NEVER FORGET! https://www.survivorsofbluesuicide.org/ Facebook | Instagram | Email

It's been a tough few years for first responders!  If you're struggling with PTSD, mental health issues, stress, or suicidal thoughts – you need to listen to this episode.  Mike Hendricks from IWP explains the confidential and free services they provide to veterans, police, fire, EMT, corrections and dispatch.   www.iwproject.org / 1-855-435-7497  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Jack Dean Werner proudly served in the Army in Vietnam and later as a Deputy for the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.  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.    A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Here is my interview with Wayne Moulder from the On The Blue Line Podcast. Wayne is a veteran law enforcement officer, teacher, and a businessman, and he covers some interesting questions about life - about life outside the badge and uniform.  We'll also share some info on upcoming fallen hero stories in the works for these next few episodes.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

He was a well-respected and well liked Deputy in the community.  On a cold evening in November, he picked up a local farmer on a warrant for threats made to another local family.  He and the suspect had been friends for years, but this night would be Deputy Kruegel's last night on the job after a struggle with a handgun that proved fatal. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

An interview with Anthony McNeil of the Off Duty Podcast on the Everyday Heroes Podcast Network. We talk about my experiences serving, my Dad, why I got started, what it's like being a cop today, LE mental health, some fun personal questions, humble advice for new officers, mistakes I made along the way, and about the Officer Down Memorial Podcast. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

In this episode we review listener questions, explain the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, how you can get involved, and give you a sneak preview of some great upcoming stories – plus an awesome interview with Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (ret.) from the National Police Institute.  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Friends and family referred to him as a gentle giant.  He loved being an officer and helping people in the community.  He was working part-time and attending college to earn his degree which would allow him to work full-time doing what he was meant to do, when his calling as an officer was cut short one holiday weekend in 1999.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

In December of 2011, in this small river town of Lake City Minnesota, Christmas was just a week away when this community was rocked by the loss of one of their own. Officer Shawn Schneider responded to a domestic with a gun. Shawn saved the life of a young lady, and in the process, gave his own. A true hero loved by his community and missed by all.  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Thomas Underwood was ordered by the courts to stay away from his estranged wife and young daughter. It was almost Christmas. Armed and angry that afternoon, Thomas stormed into the home where his family was staying.  Marshal Johnson’s response likely saved many lives that day, and cost him his own, leaving behind his wife and two sons. 

William (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 his community - Service that cost Bill his life in 1961 while working downtown.  He was Rochester PD's first fallen hero, their first recorded Officer Down. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

Christian Johnson and his wife settled with their family in this quiet community of Lyle Minnesota. He was well liked in this town and beat 2 other candidates for the election of City Marshal. Less than two years later an alcohol fueled night would result in Chris’s murder at the hands of one of those candidates in front of the Commercial Hotel.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

The Hastings Asylum in MN had reported escapes annually for years according to local reports.  One escapee stayed on the run for a year before returning to his hometown of Red Wing.  The Asylum's failure to keep him locked up resulted in the murder of Red Wing's top cop and one of his senior officers, a double murder that rocked this river town.  WARNING: Violent Content   (pictures courtesy of MN Historical Society and MN LEMA)    A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

It was a warm Sunday morning in the river town of  Winona Minnesota.  John Schneider had been promoted to Investigator and was 22 years into his career with the Sheriff's Office.  He grew up in Winona, was well respected in the community, and just a couple years from retirement when he lost his life helping save the life of a 15-month-old baby.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

In 1866, 35 year old Thomas Welch was one of four men assigned to police beats from 8pm-sunrise in Omaha, Nebraska.  That night Welch would encounter a soldier in a beer garden who had just mustered out of the Nebraska 1st Regiment.  It would be his last encounter – a hero’s story that left many unanswered questions… A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

A well respected and well liked Detention Deputy, Thomas Carroll served in the Adult Detention Center 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.  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

In this edition of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, Sheriff Scott Rose explains how this project got its start and its mission in an interview with Randy Sutton, one of America’s best known officers having been featured on the popular reality show “COPS,” “America’s Most Wanted” and roles in films such as “Casino,” “Fools Rush In,” and “Miss Congeniality II” as well as appearances on television network and cable news as a law enforcement commentator.  Randy is also a critically acclaimed author.  You can learn more about Randy Sutton, about all of his other law enforcement projects and listen to his podcast on Blue Lives Radio on the America Out Loud Talk Radio Network.  www.Americaoutloud.com/bluelives  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

A high speed chase and violent assault by a driver high on drugs results in Chief Claassen’s initially undiagnosed spinal cord injury. The Chief served for several weeks before finding out the real reason for his excruciating pain and neurological problems that cost him his career, his mobility, and eventually his life. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

An animal attack, a domestic with a weapon, and a famous bank robbery attempt by the James-Younger Gang results in this historic Minnesota community reeling from the loss of three of its finest officers in just a 20 year period – heroes who risked their lives daily and lost them protecting and saving the lives of others.  A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.