Statewide Fundraisers to Benefit Family of Pope County Deputy

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Glenwood, MN (KROC-AM News) - Three statewide Minnesota law enforcement organizations today announced a partnership to collect financial donations for the family of a fallen law enforcement officer.

Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Owen was killed in the line of duty Saturday night while responding to a domestic assault call in the western Minnesota town of Cyrus, which is located about 25 miles southwest of Alexandria. While Deputy Owen and two other law enforcement officers were attempting to arrest a suspect, he opened fire and fatally shot Owen and wounded the two other officers. Adding to the tragedy, it was Deputy Owen's 44th birthday.

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. He left behind a wife and a son.

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.

A procession of law enforcement vehicles accompanied the remains of Deputy Owen this morning. The hearse containing the casket led the way as hundreds of vehicles with emergency lights flashing escorted a fallen officer from the Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office in Ramsey back to Pope County and his family. Hundreds of people lined the streets when the procession arrived in Glenwood, where the Owen family made their home.

The funeral for Deputy Owen will take place on Saturday at the Minnewaska Area High School starting at 10:30 AM. The visitation is scheduled at the high school beginning one hour before the memorial service and from 4 to 8 PM on Friday at the high school in Glenwood.