Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron.

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on November 25, 1960; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron graduated from White Bear Lake Mariner High School, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, in 1979; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron joined the Maplewood Police Department on September 17, 1984. Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron was extremely proud to be a police officer. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, investigator, sergeant, patrol supervisor, and Volunteers in Police Services coordinator; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron died a hero in the line of duty on Saturday, May 1, 2010; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend and was always caring and generous in everything he did; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron is survived by his wife, Gail; daughters, Alexandra and Samantha; brothers and sisters, Jerome (Jan), Dianne, Lois (Dale), Mary (Dave), Alice (Mike), Agnes (Bob), Donald (Jackie), Eileen (Gary), Larry (Mary), and Kathy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Linda; brother-in-law, Jim (Mary Kay); many other loving family and friends; and his fellow officers with the Maplewood Police Department and throughout the State of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Bernadette; and niece, Annetonette; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maplewood Community Center in Maplewood, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A Mass of Christian Burial for Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron will be held Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of Minnesota with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Joseph A. Bergeron.