Funeral Today for Slain Minnesota Deputy
Glenwood, MN (KROC-AM News)- Flags across Minnesota are flying at half-staff as funeral services are happening today for Pope County Sheriff Deputy Josh Owen, who was killed in the line of duty during a shootout last weekend.
Deputy Owen was among three law officers shot by 34-year-old Bryan Nygard of Cyrus as they were responding to a domestic violence call in the small western Minnesota town of Cyrus on the night of April 15. Owen died at the hospital, Nygard, who was hit by return gunfire, died at the scene and the two other officers hit by the gunfire were treated and released.
A procession of law enforcement vehicles accompanied the remains of Deputy Owen Wednesday morning from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office in Ramsey back to Pope County and his family.
The funeral is taking place today at Minnewaska Area High School in Owen’s hometown of Glenwood. Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson is among the many law enforcement representatives at the funeral today.
Deputy Owen was killed on his 44th birthday. He leaves behind a wife and son. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, Law Enforcement Labor Services, and the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police are coordinating the fundraiser and stress that all of the proceeds will go directly to the Owen family.
Online donations are being accepted through the Law Enforcement Labor Services Benevolent Fund as well as the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police website. Wells Fargo Bank offices statewide are also accepting donations through the "Funds for Heroes" with the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police.
