LMPD’s second division gets support after the death of detective

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A day that’s supposed to be about family and celebration was filled with loss at an LMPD division in the West End. On Christmas Day, officers of Louisville’s second division mourned the loss of Detective Deidre Mengedoht.

“There is a boy that woke up today without a mother, so the least we could do was come down here and cover the shift,” Sergeant Eric Culver with LMPD SWAT said.

Sergeant Culver and other officers stepped in to cover holiday shifts for grieving co-workers or others who are helping the family of Detective Mengedoht.

Mengedoht leaves behind a young son.

“She went above and beyond doing what she needed to take care of doing her job,” Culver said. “It was an enjoyment working with her.”

Culver worked with Mengedoht as she worked her way up as a beat officer to become a detective. He was listening to scanner traffic as the deadly crash unfolded on Christmas Eve.

“They said on the radio it was an officer-involved and they lost their life,” Culver said. “It is just devastating and very traumatic.”

The man accused of crashing into Mengedoht admitted to taking multiple prescription drugs, according to his arrest report. Roger Burdette, an MSD employee, was working during the crash, and was arrested after failing a field sobriety test.

“The way that she lost her life is just sad and almost senseless,” Culver said.

Culver said the danger of the job doesn’t stop dedicated officers like Mengedoht, who had built a seven year career with the LMPD.

“There are sacrifices you have to put into the job to be successful,” Culver said. “And her being a single mother says something about her personality.”

Officer Down Memorial, a nonprofit that’s dedicated to honoring fallen law enforcement nationally, is recognizing Louisville’s loss. Data collected by the organization shows that December 24 and 25 are two of the deadliest days of the year for law enforcement.

Copyright 2018 WAVE 3 News. All rights reserved.