Mendota Heights Celebrates Life Of Officer Scott Patrick

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – With music, dance, and drinks, it was a night of celebration for a life that was lost.

"He would think this was too big of a deal for him, I'm sure he'd enjoy it though," retired Mendota Heights Police Sergeant Neil Garlock said.

Hundreds of people came from all over Minnesota to attend the Stand Up For Scott benefit, honoring fallen Mendota Heights Police officer Scott Patrick.

Patrick was gunned down during a traffic stop in July.  He was a 19-year veteran of the force.

"It's overwhelming," Mendota Heights Police chief Mike Aschenbrenner said. "It's fabulous the number of people here that have shown up."

The event was organized by the Moose Country restaurant. All of the proceeds raised will go directly to help the Patrick family.

"It is so amazing," Patrick's wife, Michelle Patrick, said.  "Words are not enough."

Michelle Patrick said their family has been taking things day by day in the nearly two months since he passed.  The support from the community has gotten them through.

"I so feel lifted by everybody's prayers, and I love how everybody is willing to help out and pay back what he has given them," she said.

More information about how to donate is available on the event's Facebook page.

Donations can be made to help the Patrick family.  Checks should be made out to Patrick Family c/o MHCAAF and mailed to:

Moose Country
857 Hwy. 13
Lilydale, MN 55118

Fitch Arraigned 

The man accused of killing Officer Patrick was in court this week.

The defense team for 39-year-old Brian Fitch says he intends to plead not guilty.

During the arraignment Thursday, Fitch was still in a wheelchair.

He was injured during a shootout with police in July.

A grand jury indicted Fitch on one count of first degree murder and three counts of attempted first degree murder.

All the charges have been combined into one case that will be prosecuted in Dakota County.

Fitch's next court appearance is set for Oct. 20.

In:
• Mendota Heights