detective harry e parker

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Fallen Officers, History

Appointed – December 28, 1920

End of Watch –  December 24, 1930

On December 8, 1930, Minneapolis police detectives, acting on a tip, raided an apartment at 825 8th Street South and discovered a criminal hideout just organized in Minneapolis.  Police arrested one man and also seized a large weapons arsenal containing shotguns, pistols, ammunition, tear gas, and a submachine gun.  After the discovery, Detectives Harry Parker and Dan Noonan stayed behind to try to catch two bank robbers from Chicago who were being sought as the leaders of the gang and who were expected to arrive at the apartment later.  On December 9, around 6:00 pm, the detectives heard footsteps and then a knock at the door.  The bank robbers entered and the detectives identified themselves.  Gunfire commenced leaving Detective Parker critically wounded and one of the assailants dead.  Detective Noonan called for back-up and an ambulance and Detective Parker was transported to Minneapolis General Hospital.  His condition improved after surgery and he was transferred to St Barnabas Hospital where he continued to improved.  Then, shortly before Christmas, Detective Parker’s health began to decline.  He was transferred home for Christmas to spend time with his wife, his son, and his daughter.  He lost consciousness on December 23 and passed away from his wounds on Christmas Eve morning.  Detective Parker was 38 years old and had served on the Minneapolis Police Department for 10 years.  His funeral and burial took place on December 27, 1930 at Crystal Lake Cemetery in North Minneapolis. 

officer joseph g pudlick

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Fallen Officers, History, News

Appointed – June 28, 1943

End of Watch – February 4, 1972

Officer Joseph G Pudlick was shot and killed while assisting two Hennepin County deputies arrest a man on a mental commitment order at 2540 Northeast Quincy Street.

The suspect was apprehended and he was subsequently committed to a state mental hospital until his death.

Officer Pudlick was assigned to the Second Precinct.  He had been with the Minneapolis Police department for 28 years.

Officer Pudlick was survived by his wife, Arlene, and four children. His funeral was on Monday, February 7th, 1972 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and he was buried in Gethsemane Cemetery.

sergeant michael lawrence

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Fallen Officers, History

Appointed – July 10, 1899

End of Watch – December 25, 1925

Sergeant Michael Lawrence was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect at Fourteenth Avenue North and Sixth Street North.

For several years, he had worked as a logger in various Minneapolis lumber mills, but gave up that work to join the Minneapolis Police Department in 1899.  He served for 26 years, first as a patrol officer, then as a desk sergeant, and later as Commander of the North Side Gun Squad.

Sergeant Lawrence lived with his family at 1530 Hillside Avenue North.  He was survived by his wife, one son, and three daughters.

Led by Frank W. Brunskill, Minneapolis Chief of Police, 125 Minneapolis and St. Paul Police Officers formed a guard of honor at the funeral service for their fallen colleague.

Sergeant Lawrence was buried at St Mary’s Cemetery on January 1, the very day on which he was scheduled to retire from service.

Photograph courtesy of Hennepin County Library

funeral of officer clayton olson

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Fallen Officers, History, News

Appointed – December 4, 1925
End of Watch – August 9, 1931

Officer Clayton Olson was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious man on East Lake Street.  When he followed the man into an alley the suspect opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, striking Officer Olson six times. Officer Olson died at the scene.

Officer Olson was 36 years old and had been with the Minneapolis Police department for nearly six years.  He had served two years in France during World War One.  Only one week before his death, he had used his war bonus money to make the first payment on a home at 5344 57th Avenue South.  

Funeral services for Officer Olson were held at Crystal Lake Cemetery Chapel on August 11, 1931.  He was survived by his wife and their 4-year-old daughter.

Photograph courtesy of Hennepin County Library

funeral procession of officer frank hallet

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Events, Fallen Officers, History

Appointed – September 1, 1902

End of Watch – August 25, 1920

Officer Frank Hallet was shot and killed when he and two other officers stopped four men in a vehicle for suspicion of moonshining. As Officer Hallet approached the car at Franklin Avenue and 26th Avenue the suspects inside opened fire, striking Officer Hallet in the head. The other officers returned fire as the suspects fled.

Three of the shooters were apprehended and convicted; they were sentenced to 30 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary.

Officer Hallet was 45 years old.  He lived at 1092 14th Avenue Southeast and was survived by his wife and two children.  He joined the Minneapolis Police Department 11 years earlier and was assigned to the Second Precinct Station.  He was transferred to the Central Station and finally to the Third Precinct.  His funeral was held on Friday, August 27 at the First Methodist Church at 5th Street and 9th Avenue Southeast. Officer Hallet was buried in Hillside Cemetery on August 28, 1920.

helping our community

Posted on by Aileen Johnson in Events, History

L to R in background: Minneapolis Police Officers Bienapfl, Cziok, Roskovick, Engles, and Sgt Finn help pack food into crates for needy families. L to R in foreground: Officer Paulson, Judge Gebo and Mr Derby help sort food that will be delivered to families all over Minneapolis, 1940s. Photo courtesy of Hennepin County Library