Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Pudlick,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Minneapolis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 4, 2022

Respectively remembering a fallen MnHero. Never forgotten. Thankyou.

Jim P Bowe

February 4, 2020

This is not a reflection, just a clarification on some points. My late Grandmother was a tenant in the building where the shooting took place, which was owned by the assailant.

First, the incident occurred in the neighborhood of Northeast Minneapolis, on Quincy Street Northeast, not in the neighborhood of North Minneapolis. In Northeast most north-south streets are named after U.S. presidents in order. Quincy Street commemorates John Quincy Adams so there would not be two Adams streets.

Second, while the assailant was convicted and sentenced to forty years his conviction was overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court on the grounds that he was mentally incompetent to stand trial. He had a long history of mental problems dating back to his dismissal from the army in 1944 on grounds of mental illness. The murder charges were never dropped and, because he was considered insane and dangerous, he was held at the Minnesota Security Hospital at St. Peter undergoing treatment to restore his competence until his death.

Civilian P. Buhl
Grandson of a witness

March 20, 2019

My Dad was one of the deputies Officer Pudlick came to assist that day,we will never forget him.God bless your family.We lost my Dad in the Galaxy plane crash in 1985.

Bob Lockwood Jr.

December 27, 2014

Ah, Uncle Joe. I remember the ride on your three wheeled police motorcycle through our Northside neighborhood, lights flashing and siren blaring. I was five years old. I swear I became convinced to be a cop that day.

Sgt. Gail L.Cronquist
Minneapolis Police (retired)

August 9, 2014

May your family know that you are not alone or forgotten. Rest in peace Patrolman Pudlick.

Jim O'Brien
Nephew of Joe O'Brien EOW 12/24/1968

February 4, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

February 4, 2014

I never knew Office Pudlick, but I have heard a lot about him and that horrible day all of my life. I am related to the man who murdered him in cold blood. I often wonder what was going through my great uncles head when all of this was happening. I know Officer Pudlick was a good man and will forever be remembered as such. As we approach 42 years since he was taken from his friends and family, I would like to Thank the friends and family of this fine man for his many years of service and dedication. He truly was trying to protect and serve, and lost his life doing just that.

Natasha B.
Mpls, MN

February 2, 2014

It's hard to believe it's been 40 years. I too remember that day ~ officers showing up at our door. I thought my Dad was invincible. Growing up with a Dad that was bigger than life and admired by so many.

Arlene
Daughter

February 6, 2013

Every Minneapolis Police Academy Class selects a fallen Officer to honor. Recruit Class 2009-1 selected Officer Joseph Pudlick. A flag with his badge number was attached to the class guide-on and carried by the Recruits throughout their Academy. The flag was framed with their class photo and now hangs proudly in the Minneapolis police Academy.

Rest in peace Officer Pudlick, you have not been forgotten.

Sgt Steven Bantle Minneapolis Police Aca
Minneapolis PD

October 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today. To your nieces and nephew, thanks for sharing your eternal devotion to your beloved Uncle Joe.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2012

dear uncle joe i never knew you very well but i heard of you often.you sacrificed your life for the safety of others.for that i thank you.i remember that day in february,when that terrible phone call came.my father had answered the phone,he dropped to his knees sobbing.that was the first time i had ever saw my dad cry i was 14 then.now i am much older.that man that dropped to his knees is now with you. i thank you again uncle joe for trying to keep us safe and your many sacrifices. sandy

sandy pudlik
niece

January 4, 2012

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,Tx

March 28, 2009

we miss you great uncle joe your up with grandpa now and all your other brother and sisters love your nephew adam pudlick

great uncle

February 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A TRUE HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NHVV

February 1, 2008

Merry Christmas, Uncle Joe. You are always remembered.

Officer Lynn Cronquist
Minneapolis PD

December 24, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 28, 2007

My UNCLE JOE was the BEST!!! in everything,with us kids,with old people,with people that spoke Polish & everyone in between.He was the best with my dad too!!!!!!!!
He will always & forever be missed.
Terry(Cronquist)Cebulla

TERRY CEBULLA
NIECE

May 7, 2006

Happy Holidays, Uncle Joe.
Lynn

Minneapolis PD

December 24, 2004

Every HERO deserves a few posts. So here goes.

Rest in Peace Buddy

SC Brad Taylor
Metropolitan Police (London)

September 9, 2004

Uncle Joe,
I can still picture you coming over and having a beer with my Dad when you worked on the house. I will always remember you.
Lynn

Officer Lynn Cronquist
Minneapolis PD