Minneapolis Park Police officer LOD

[pantless]

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― A Minneapolis Park Police Officer critically injured last week when he was hit by a squad car during a chase died at noon on Friday.

Mark Bedard, 34, was a 12-year veteran of the park police.

Bedard's widow, Andrea Bedard, said, "Mark was a great husband and wonderful father to our son, Nicholas."

On Nov. 1, Bedard and several other park officers and Minneapolis Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in north Minneapolis. Bedard was chasing a suspect on foot into an alley when he was struck by a Minneapolis Police squad car which was also pursuing the suspect.

Witnesses said the driver of the squad car was going 40 mph when she struck Bedard. As part of standard procedure, the driver of the squad car has been put on administrative leave.

"It's one of those tragic accidents, but it's part of our job," Park Police Chief Brad Johnson said, adding he'd been in situations similar to Bedard's many times and he made the same decision Bedard did.

Bedard had been in critical condition at North Memorial Medical Center since the crash.

"I'll remember Mark as the smiling guy," Johnson said, adding Bedard always had something positive to say.

Funeral arrangements for Bedard have not yet been set.

[MacLeod]

Tragic. FYI: MN will be hosting their annual memorial for all MN officers lost in the line of duty this week. For more information, check out the MN C.O.P.S. website.

I had the opportunity to meet the MN COPS Chapter President last year during the Police Unity Tour. He's a remarkable person and now a good friend. If you are in MN and plan to attend...tell him I said "HI".
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On Saturday, November 17, 6:30 PM at the Peace Officers Memorial on the
State Capitol grounds in St. Paul, the Minnesota Chapter of Concerns of Police
Survivors will be holding its 3rd annual Blue Light Holiday Ceremony.

The color blue is associated with law enforcement, and it is also symbolic
of peace. By displaying blue lights at our homes, businesses, and law
enforcement agencies during the holidays, a dual message is sent - support for America’s peacekeepers and hope that the coming year will be a year of
peace.

Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) promotes Project Blue Light during the
holiday season as a visual display of support and gratitude for the men and
women who serve as the peacekeepers in our communities. The blue lights also shine in honor of peacekeepers that have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duties.

The interactive Blue Light ceremony will include music and several survivor speakers, including Ron Ryan, Sr., father of fallen St. Paul officer Ron Ryan, Jr., and Paul Gertsen, President of the Minnesota Chapter of COPS.

Many other law enforcement officers and surviving family members of Minnesota’s fallen heroes will also be in attendance at this ceremony of remembrance.



Please call 651-489-8080 for more information.