M.H.P.D. to D.C.

**Update-- As of 4/11/2015, we have raised the funds necessary to cover all costs for the Patrick family and MHPD officers to attend police week in Washington D.C. this year.  Any further donations will be utilized by the MHPOBA to carry on Scott's legacy and keep his name alive through scholarships, permanent memorials and "paying it forward" to other agencies and public safety families who experience tragedy.  Thank you to everyone who has supported the MHPOBA and the Patrick family!** 

July 30, 2014 was a day filled with sunshine and perfect weather.  Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was patrolling the City of Mendota Heights when, at 12:20 pm, on a busy city street, his attention was drawn to a green Pontiac Grand Am.  For reasons that will never be known, Officer Patrick initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, just across the border, in the City of West St. Paul.  Officer Patrick had no way of knowing that the man behind the wheel was convicted felon, Brian George Fitch Sr., who had active warrants for his arrest and was determined to not go back to prison.  

As Officer Patrick approached the rear of the vehicle, before a word was spoken between he and Fitch, Fitch stuck a gun out the driver's window of the vehicle and fired three shots in rapid succession at Officer Patrick.  With the assistance of a laser sight, Fitch would hit his mark with each shot, striking Officer Patrick in the leg, abdomen and head.  Tragically, Officer Patrick was killed instantly, with no opportunity to respond to the threat.  This was, by all accounts, a cold-blooded ambush style execution.  

After a massive 8 hour manhunt, Fitch was eventually located.  After a shoot out with St. Paul Police, Fitch was shot several times and arrested.  In February of 2015, a Stearns County Jury found Fitch guilty of the murder of Officer Patrick and the attempted murder of the three St. Paul Police Officers who he shot at.  He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  

Officer Patrick left behind a wife, two teenaged daughters and a grieveing police department of only 17 officers.  

The Mendota Heights Police Officers Benevolent Association is hoping to raise the funds to cover all expenses for Officer Patrick's wife and daughters and MHPD officers to attend Police Week in Washington D.C. in May of 2015.

During Police week, Officer Patrick's sacrifice will be recognized and he will be honored. His name will be etched on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. 

THANK YOU!