Brian was born in Neillsville, Wisconsin in 1970. His family settled in St. Cloud in 1985 and Brian graduated from St. Cloud Apollo High School in 1988.
In 1990, Brian graduated from St. Cloud Technical College and decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. In the fall of 1991, Brian enrolled in the Law Enforcement Program at Alexandria Technical College and graduated in May 1993.
He became a full-time patrol officer with the St. Joseph Police Department in August 1993. Brian married Wendy in 1994 and they had a beautiful daughter on November 15, 1995.
On January 29, 1996, Brian died tragically in the line of duty. He responded to a call and came across a stolen vehicle used in a robbery earlier that night. Brian was shot and the men were later apprehended.
Ted Deikel, Fingerhut CEO, was instrumental in establishing the scholarship. His significant gift to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation started the scholarship fund.
The scholarship fund encourages young men and women to pursue a career in law enforcement. To qualify, students need to enroll in a post-secondary education program to prepare for a career in law enforcement.
Wendy remembers Brian’s infectious laugh and love and great appreciation for life. Brian was respected by his friends and colleagues as well as the citizens of St. Joseph who vowed to protect and remember his kindness, professionalism and friendliness.