Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge, 25

Ohio State Highway Patrol

February 4, 2010 – Trooper Andrew Baldridge was killed in an automobile accident while responding to assist a deputy sheriff. His training officer, who was riding with him, sustained non-life threatening injuries from the crash. Trooper Baldridge is survived by his parents. He’d only been on the job for two months.

Trooper Baldridge’s patrol car

Senior Parole Agent Ellane Aimiuwu, 57

Illinois Department of Corrections

February 7, 2010 – Agent Ellane Aimiuwu was killed in an automobile accident when an out of control SUV struck two cars and then flipped over, landing on top of Agent Aimiuwu’s department vehicle. Another car was unable to stop and also struck Agent Aimiuwu’s vehicle.

Deputy Sheriff William Frederick Schuck III, 26

Oconee County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office

February 7, 2010 – Deputy Sheriff William Schuck spoke to his pregnant wife on the phone and was then killed in a freak accident just moments later. He’d been patrolling a dirt road when his car became stuck in the mud.  The deputy got out of the car and was surveying the situation when the car slid forward, pinning him against a tree. A search was initiated when Deputy Schuck failed to answer his radio or telephone. A state trooper finally located him at 3am.

Corporal Jeremy McLaren, 28

Spring Hill Tennessee Police Department

February 7, 2010 – Corporal Jeremy McLaren died as a result of injuries he sustained in an automobile accident on February 5, 2010. He’d been returning to the jail after a visit to the magistrate’s office to have citations issued when the driver of a pickup truck ran a red light and struck the corporal’s patrol car. Corporal McLaren had to be xtricated from his vehicle by a rescue crew. He is survived by his wife, parents, and siblings.

Captain Timothy Joel Bergeron, 49

Terrebonne Louisiana Parish Sheriff’s Office

February 7, 2010 – Captain Timothy Joel Bergeron was killed in a motorcycle accident while escorting a Mardi Gras float to the parade starting point. A vehicle turned in front of the float hitting Captain Bergeron head on. He leaves behind his wife and five children.

Deputy Sheriff Don McCutcheon, 36

Clark County Missouri Sheriff’s Office

February 8, 2010 – After returning from answering patrol calls, Deputy Sheriff Don McCutcheon began shoveling snow from the front steps of the sheriff’s office. He soon experienced chest pains and drove himself to a nearby rescue squad where he collapsed while being treated. Deputy McCutcheon was pronounced dead at the hospital. He leaves behind three children.

Officer David T. Zolendziewski, 53

Holyoke Massachusetts Police Department

February 11, 2010 – Officer David Zolendziewski died as a result of injuries he received in an automobile accident six weeks earlier. He’s been on patrol when his car skidded on ice, striking a tree. He leaves behind a wife and three sons.

*Thanks to ODMP