OFFICER DOWN MEMORIAL PODCAST

On a quiet Monday night in January of 2020 in Waseca, Minnesota, Officer Arik Matson responded with three fellow officers to the kind of suspicious-person call law enforcement handles hundreds of times. Within moments, the four were involved in a gun battle and Arik was shot in the head—beginning an extraordinary fight for survival and a long, difficult journey through recovery and rehabilitation. In this special survivor edition of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast, Arik and the three officers who were there help walk us step by step through the incident in extraordinary detail, while his mother and brother share the lasting impact it had on Arik and everyone who loves him. At the heart of Arik's fight was his love for his two daughters and his belief that being their father was and is the most important job of his life. His story is a powerful reminder that, in law enforcement, no call is ever routine.

Check out all the photos and videos shared by the family and agency on Arik's Survivor Page at https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/arik-matson

While his service is over, our duty to remember his sacrifice is not. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.

WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

On August 24, 1930, U.S. Immigrant Inspector Laurence E. Doten from Minnesota made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting America's northern border. Assigned to inspect passengers aboard a Canadian National Railway train near Emo, Ontario, Inspector Doten was unexpectedly confronted by fugitive Emerick Franette and was mortally wounded in the ensuing attack. Fellow Inspector Lawrence C. Jones was also killed. Though nearly a century has passed, Inspector Doten's bravery, professionalism, and devotion to duty continue to inspire those who serve on the front lines of border security today. With the help of Laurence's grandson Roland Doten, granddaughter Jody Wilson, and Retired Immigrations Agent in Charge Bob Tuttle, we are honored to share his story. Check out photos and more on his memorial page at www.officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/laurence-doten. Laurence Doten answered his country's call not once, but twice—first as a soldier on the battlefields of France, and later as a United States Immigration Inspector along the Canadian border. While his service is over, our duty to remember is not. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.

WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

Lloyd Feind was a veteran Sergeant with the Rochester Police Department in southeast Minnesota. Standing 6-foot-4, he could appear intimidating at first glance — but family, friends, and fellow officers knew him as a gentle giant with a kind heart. Law enforcement ran deep in the Feind family. Lloyd's brother also served as a patrolman with the department, and his uncle was a police detective. Sergeant Feind was known as the kind of officer who stopped to talk with everyone. He was deeply involved in the neighborhoods he served, active in his church, and well known for hosting annual block parties in his community. He believed policing was about relationships, compassion, and being present for the people he served. In the early morning hours while working the night shift, Lloyd was inside the department's communications center when he suffered a heart attack. He was transported to Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Hospital, where he later suffered a second heart attack. Before his passing at 5:00 a.m. that Friday morning, Lloyd was able to speak with his wife and share his final wishes with her. Sergeant Feind was 48 years old. He had served with the Rochester Police Department for 16 years, including eight years as a sergeant. He was survived by his wife and three children. ​ This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. NOTE: This episode also explores the often-overlooked dangers of heart disease in law enforcement and the impact cumulative stress can have on officers over the course of a career. Lloyd's story serves as a reminder that the stress, irregular sleep, trauma exposure, and demands of the profession can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. We also discuss practical steps officers, supervisors, and agencies can take to promote wellness, reduce long-term stress, and help keep law enforcement personnel healthy both on and off duty. If you are a law enforcement officer, dispatcher, firefighter, or first responder, please take your cardiac health seriously. Regular physicals, stress management, sleep, fitness, nutrition, and early screening can save lives.

In 1956, law enforcement in Le Sueur County looked very different than it does today. At that time, the entire sheriff's office was made up of just two men—Sheriff Pat W. Smith Sr., and one deputy: Robert "Bob" Moravec. Bob Moravec was more than just a deputy. A proud Marine Corps veteran, he had served his country before joining the sheriff's office in 1948. Known throughout the community for his character and presence, Bob was widely respected—a local hero in every sense. He was also an exceptional athlete, having played football for the Quantico Marines Devil Dogs and even earning an invitation to try out for the New York Giants. But in the early morning hours of April 27th, 1956, tragedy struck. While en route between calls, Deputy Moravec's patrol vehicle suddenly left the roadway. It slammed into a concrete culvert and rolled into a ditch, killing him instantly. In the aftermath, investigators discovered green paint transfer on his new (2 week old) 1956 Oldsmobile—raising troubling questions about whether another vehicle had been involved. Despite those questions, no definitive answers were ever found. Deputy Moravec's death left a profound impact on the department, the community, and most importantly, his family. He was survived by his young wife Kathleen and their two daughters, Sharon and Michelle. With the support of Brett Mason and Bob's daughter Sharon, we are honored to share his story. Because remembering Deputy Robert Moravec is more than looking back—it's a commitment to ensure his service and sacrifice are never forgotten. ​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised. Check out this hero's Memorial page on our website for some great photos shared by his family: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/robert-moravec

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33 year old Arnold Ottinius Borson was the City Marshal for the small city of Ghent, located in the SE Minnesota County of Lyon. He had been married less than two years and had quickly become a respected and trusted law officer in this small Belgian immigrant community. It was the early morning hours of Monday August 18th. Arnold had been notified of a possible burglary in progress at a local service garage. Arnold and his brother-in-law responded to help the business owner check his garage when they interupted two burglars trying to break into the business safe. The two suspects jumped out the garage window and ran. In the end, both suspects would escape, even after one of them had been shot with a shotgun. Arnold was also shot, and would die from his injuries 4 days later at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The two suspect were never identified or apprehended, and Arnold's murder would remain unsolved forever. Arnold's story was all but forgotten until his great nephew learned his Uncle Arnold Borson's name was not on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall like he assumed it was. His great grand nephew, retired Colorado Springs Sergeant Jim Stinson, helps tell Arnold's story and why it was important for him to work to finally get is great uncle recognized 73 years after his murder.

This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc.

Click here to donate to this project: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

MURDERED DEPUTY ROBERT (BEEFY) LAWSON'S BADGE UNRETIRED 44 YEARS LATER AND REISSUED TO HIS GRANDSON On December 17th, 2025 the Itasca County Sheriff's Office un-retired Deputy Robert (Beefy) Lawson's badge number 703 and issued it to Beefy's grandson, Donald (DJ) Roberts. DJ was just 2 years old when his grandfather was murdered saving the lives of a young mother and her kids from being killed by her deranged ex-husband. In this follow up episode, Beefy's family and friends talk about Beefy's death, how his murder affected this family, and how this community came together over 40 years later to remember and honor Beefy in this northern Minnesota community. DJ also shares his memories and how he recognizes the responsibility that's been given to him to carry on his grandfather's legacy of service. This is such a heartwarming special episode highlighting how Beefy's influence continues to make an impact in Itasca County. Watch the full video of the badge presentation here provided by our friends at Itasca Community Television : FULL PRESENTATION VIDEO Listen to Deputy Beefy Lawson's complete story here: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/robert-lawson This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to see how you can help support this podcast: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988 on your cell phone or 1-800-273-TALK. Help is just a phone call away.

South St Paul Police Officer Leo Pavlak was a newly hired officer back in 1933. He joined the department during a challenging time in our state and country's history - years of prohibition, the Great Depression, and high unemployment left folks struggling in this community. St. Paul had become a refuge for many of the most notorious gangsters of modern American history. John Dillinger and Billie Frechette, Ma Barker and her boys, "Babyface" Nelson, Alvin Karpis, and others considered St. Paul a safe haven at some point during their "careers." Minnesota became an epicenter of illegal activity, with major crimes committed across the state. In August of 1933, while SSPPD Officer Leo Pavlak and Officer John Yeaman were escorting bank messengers with one of the large stockyard's payroll, they were confronted by one of the countries most notorious crime families. This shootout left Officer Pavlak dead and Officer Yeaman fighting for his life. The hunt for these killers took the FBI all over the country. Officer Pavlak left behind his wife Pauline and his two children Eleanor and Robert. Officer Pavlak's service and sacrifice has influenced 3 generations of law enforcement officers within his family to serve careers with agencies in the Twin Cities metro area. His positive influence has impacted the lives of several generations of people in these communities - and he continues to make a difference today through his great great grandson who is currently serving in St Paul. You can see many pictures including original evidence photos, the BCA report, and many family photos on his memorial page at: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/leo-pavlak This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to see how you can help support this podcast: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

In 1925 the city of Minneapolis was home to around 420,000 citizens during a post WW1 era that was defined by the jazz age and prohibition. The month of december had been a violent one in the city with the murder of a former U of M football star, a gun battle in a drug store, and a doctor kidnapping among other violent crimes. 58 year old Sergeant Michael Lawrence, a 26 year veteran of MPD, was the leader of the 4th Precinct Gun Squad - a team dispatched to violent crimes where weapons were involved. This night Sergeant Lawrence and his team would go out on the hunt for a shooter who had just shot a grocery store owner in NW Minneapolis. The night would end with three shot, and two dead, including the murder of this MPD veteran who was planning and looking forward to his upcoming retirement. Sergeant lawrence was survived by his wife and four children, and was the 14th Minneapolis Officer to fall in the line of duty. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Click here to see how you can help support this podcast: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

23 year old Curtis Alan Felt grew up in the community he was serving in Douglas County Minnesota. Curt didn't have family in law enforcement. He wasn't carrying on a family tradition. He simply loved this community he grew up in and felt the calling to do his part to help make it a little better, a little safer for his family and friends. His story is a stark reminder of the risks the men and women who serve take on every day they put on the badge. His murder also reminded residents that violence against law enforcement can happen anywhere - even in small rural communities like Douglas County. This young hero paid the ultimate sacrifice after being shot while in the offices of the Sheriff's Office - just 7 months after being married. His wife Donna and fellow deputy Bill Ingebrigtsen (Retired Douglas County Sheriff and MN Senator) help us tell this hero's story. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Learn how you can help our mission here: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING: Violent content and strong language may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.

Joseph Bergeron was an officer everyone in Maplewood MN knew and loved. He was one to always treat others like he would want to be treated - he was kind, caring, and compassionate with everyone he came in contact with. That Saturday morning he had taken an overtime shift so a fellow co-worker could take the day off to support his children at a school sports event. At the begining of his shift that morning he was advised of an armed carjacking and responded to help find the suspects. While searching he came across two young men on a walking trail. This brief encounter would result in his brutal and sensless murder and a manhunt that would end in another officer hurt, one of the two cop killers shot and killed, and a community in mourning. Sergeant Bergeron was just months away from retirement and left behind his wife Gail and 13 year old twin daughters Allie and Sam. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. Learn how you can support our mission: https://officerdownmemorialpodcast.com/support-our-mission WARNING - Strong language and violent content may be disturbing to some listeners.