Brownie’s owner and customers foot the bill for Det. Mengedoht’s division

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - After Louisville Metro Police Det. Deidre Mengedoht’s funeral Monday, a local business owner did his part to contribute when her fellow officers came by his restaurant for dinner.

It’s inspired others to do the same.

“They had reached out that they needed a place to go for dinner and immediately I wanted to help out,” Jason Brown, owner of Brownie’s “The Shed” Grille & Bar, said.

Brown said it was a no-brainer, he wanted to cover the dinner tab for the detectives who worked with Mengedoht.

Around a dozen of them had a reservation at the restaurant after the officer’s funeral Monday.

“New Year’s Eve is a day where everyone was celebrating with friends and family and they just buried a friend, and a teammate,” Brown said. “I just thought it was something I immediately needed to do to help out if I could.”

When the second division detectives showed up, the place was packed with around 100 customers.

“A couple of them stood up as they were walking in,” server Elysse Vadnais said.

When the customers found out it was Mengedoht’s division, Brown said every single customer in the place offered to contribute. Buying rounds of drinks, and gift cards when the tab was covered.

“There were tears and I cried,” Vadnais said. “There was a lot of hugs, a lot of pats on the back, it was really nice, so it was really good to witness.”

It was a simple act of kindness to make sure Mengedoht’s brothers and sisters know their service is appreciated.

“I think for the most part the community is behind them,” Brown said. “Whether it’s the holidays, New Year’s Eve, Derby weekend -- it’s all year round where I stand and that will never change.”

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