Since 1933, March 30 has been known as National Doctors’ Day which is an annual observance honoring the physicians who help save our lives.
The Minneapolis Police Honor Guard and Color Guard Foundation is deeply appreciative of our doctors for their selfless dedication to saving lives during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thank you!
Appointed – January 15, 1923
End of Watch – August 14, 1923
On the evening of August 14th, 1923, Officer Emil Engstrom recognized and stopped a suspect who was wanted in the robbery of a bread wagon driver near the Curtis Hotel earlier in the day.
As Officer Engstrom approached the suspect, the suspect shot him in the neck. A nearby cab driver transported Officer Engstrom to General Hospital where Officer Engstrom identified the suspect prior to his death.
The suspect fled the scene and a hunt for him ensued. The suspect surrendered to the police two days later. He was found guilty of Officer Engstrom’s murder and was sentenced to life in Stillwater Penitentiary.
At the time of his death, Officer Engstrom was 36 years and old and married. He had only been with the department since January 1st, 1923. His funeral was held August 17th at the Swedish Tabernacle at 7th Street and 8th Avenue South and he was buried at Lakewood Cemetery.
End of Watch – November 25, 1913
Officer William J Lydon succumbed to injuries sustained on November 21st, 1913, when he was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of North First Avenue and North Sixth Street.
Despite being injured, he attempted to continue working throughout the day but ultimately went home on sick leave. His health deteriorated over the weekend and he subsequently died of a brain injury on November 25th, 1913.
Officer Lydon had served with the Minneapolis Police Department for 16 years at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife.
A sincere thank you and expression of appreciation to our Minneapolis Police Officers for their work in keeping our city safe. We wish you the best of health.
Officer Donald L Risberg collapsed on his Northside beat at the intersection of Lyndale and 42nd Avenues North shortly before 6:00 pm on November 28, 1956.
He died two hours later in General Hospital from a massive heart attack.
Officer Donald L Risberg had been a Minneapolis police officer for 14 years. He was a veteran of World War II.
Officer Risberg lived at 4537 Park Avenue South with his wife and two sons.
He was 44 years old at the time of his death.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
Details on the ceremonies at the Hennepin County Government Center and at the Minnesota State Capitol will be posted as they become available in the Events Calendar.
Minneapolis Police Honor Guard at the Candlelight Vigil at the Minnesota State Capitol. L-R: Lt. Rich Sheldon, Officer Zane Detert, and Sgt. Kenneth Tidgwell