News and Events

The following is an excerpt from the article, Tears, hugs, and Respect shared for Deputy Josh Owen at Memorial in Alexandria, by Celeste Edenloff, Echo Press.

ALEXANDRIA, MN | October 26, 2023 – A memorial ceremony was held at Alexandria Technical and Community College for Pope County Deputy Josh Owen, a 2009 graduate of the college’s police training and education program, on October 25.

During the ceremony, Owen’s photo was added to Alexandria College’s Police memorial outside of the college's law enforcement training center. His name was also written on the blue line by his wife, Shannon Owen. This has become tradition at the college; graduates of the program add their names to the walls, leaving their mark.

Owen was killed in the line of duty on April 15, 2023, when he reported to a domestic violence call in Cyrus where he was shot.

Before Owen’s photo was added to the memorial, Scott Berger, the current vice president of academic and student affairs and former dean of law enforcement, addressed those in attendance. Current Police Training Education Instructor at Alexandria College and former Pope County Sheriff Tom Larson also addressed attendees. 

“We’re mindful that each one of those graduates is also a husband, wife, son, daughter, grandson,” said Berger. “There are so many more things to them than just wearing a uniform. We’re here today because of Josh and how he touched each one of our lives in many different ways. But despite those differences, we all have a common bond – law enforcement.”

 “This job is unlike any other. You are called to stand in the gap between good and evil and your families are just as involved in that as you are,” Berger continued. “Josh stepped up. He did that in many ways and we are honoring him for that willingness to serve. Our promise as a college and as members of the law enforcement program is to support and honor our fallen graduates and their families.”

At Alexandria College, we believe that the most inspiring peace officers demonstrate unwavering integrity, conducting themselves with honesty, trustworthiness, and professionalism. They exhibit empathy and cultural competence, recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of individuals and communities. They run toward the incidents that others are running from, to ensure our citizens can live peacefully and sleep soundly. Josh exemplified all of these qualities, and more.