SGT Joseph Bergeron, LEO, Maplewood, MN / St Paul, MN 05, 06 MAY 10



Sgt. Joseph Bergeron – Maplewood Police Office

May 5, 2010

We came to honor him. Seventy Five Patriot Guard Riders. More importantly, his community came out on this cool, rainy, very windy afternoon and evening. The visitation was at the Maplewood Community Center. We came to show our respect to a man who spent his life serving, and protecting, his community, both as a police officer and a firefighter. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, “Killed in the Line of Duty”.

We set our flag line along the boulevard of White Bear Ave as the family arrived. We regrouped, had our briefing, and reset the flagline along the drive leading to the entrance to the Center and back along the boulevard.

Despite the weather, the public came. The line from the entrance, down the drive and around the corner never ended for almost four hours. The “Thank You’s” to us came from both Law Enforcement and civilians alike. They were returned very sincerely to the Police Officers for what they do every day.

May 6, 2010

This day was better. No rain, very little wind, and warmer. One hundred and one Patriot Guard arrived at staging for the funeral of Sgt Joe Bergeron. It was held at the Cathedral of St. Paul. I’d like to thank everyone who attended today, and also a special mention to the members from Wisconsin, and to Craig with his group from Rochester for riding up to St. Paul.

We walked single file from our staging area a few blocks away to the front of the Cathedral. As we approached our destination we came upon three thousand police officers assembled across the street from the front of the church. Exactly where I had planned for us to set up our flagline. Without a stumble in our step we very orderly lined both sides of the steps up from the sidewalk to the entrance to the Cathedral. The rest of the PGR then lined the sidewalk opposite the multitude of Police Officers. Almost as if we had practiced it. I think I detected a comment from across the street, something about “cops’ vs the bikers”. But I know we have a very deep and mutual respect built up between our two groups. In fact later a county sheriff told me that we presented quite an awesome sight as we set up our lines. I do feel we have the most respectful and dare I say “professional” looking bunch of bikers I’ve ever come across. Thank you all.

As a news helicopter hovered overhead, Law Enforcement went through their formations and we all awaited the arrival of Sgt Bergeron’s procession. A long line of flashing lights preceded Sgt Bergeron and family. All was solemn as they stopped and filed into the Cathedral. A bell tolled 26 times for his years of service.

After the service started we very orderly walked single file to the side of the cathedral to a grassy lot and stood down. We divided into two groups. One to reform the flagline at the cathedral for the end of the service. And the other moved to the cemetery.

At the Cathedral about 35 PGR remained after the rest of the group left for the cemetery. As long as we had stood down to reorganize we took a 30 minute break. The group then walked single file to the steps of the Cathedral where every other member split to each side of the steps and the two columns ascended them in unison until the steps were lined. The maneuver was perfect and showed a very organized group. When the service ended the LEO came out of the Cathedral I lined the steps, the sight was awesome with all the LEO in front of us and our flags flying above them.

Once Officer Bergeron and family were situated in the vehicles we had a great view of about 800 LEO vehicles leaving in a line that stretch as far as we could see. Shortly before the family was to leave a couple of Rochester Members suggested that we go to the curb and have a flagline there as the family left. So again we vacated the steps in a single file and reposition along the crub of the road the family was to leave on.

At the cemetery we formed our flagline along the road at the entrance. We stood as hundreds of squad cars passed by. I was told 800 units from International Falls to Chicago. Superior, WI to Sioux Falls, SD. And Fargo to most of western Wisconsin were present. Someone even spotted a license plate from Maryland. What an awesome sight as they all parked and the Officers paraded into the cemetery. The next procession brought the family and Sgt Joe Bergeron. They were led into the cemetery by bagpipes, honor guard and a riderless horse. Full honors and ceremony were given this fallen hero.

It was two days of tribute to a man who spent his life doing good. Myself and all of us present were honored to be invited and be a part of it.

Thank you Sgt Bergeron for your service to your community. Rest in Peace.

(@) Obituary

(@) PGR National Thread

Larry Myslicki “Slick”:
NE Metro ARC
MN Patriot Guard Rider