LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's been five years since Louisville Metro Police Detective Deidre Mengedoht was killed in a fiery crash.

Even now, her legacy continues.

"It's hard to believe it's been five years," LMPD Detective Matthew Swicegood said. "Five years since the city of Louisville lost one of the best public servants it's ever had."

On Christmas Eve in 2018, she died in a crash on I-64 and every year since her death, LMPD has gathered to honor her service.

On Sunday family, friends, and fellow officers gather at LMPD's Second Division for Mengedoht's annual memorial service. 

"Obviously five years have passed but it is hard to tell that from seeing people's faces and the impact and the hurt they still carry from this tragic event," said Lt. Col. Ryan Bates. "It is a very solemn day for us. Diedre was a very special person. She was a great Detective but a better friend to a lot of people here."

Roger Burdette was driving an MSD truck when he crashed into Mengedoht's unmarked cruiser as she was conducting a traffic stop. The cruiser burst into flames, and Mengedoht died at the scene.

Burdette was found guilty of murder, four counts of wanton endangerment, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and failure to give the right of way to a stopped emergency vehicle. He was sentenced to 27 years in prison. 

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence they said proves Burdette had taken drugs prior to the crash and that he was watching porn on his cellphone just before he crashed into Mengedoht.  

Fellow officers said Mengedoht's passion for the job was seen throughout the community.

In November 2022, the department unveiled its renovated gym in the second division which is dedicated to Mengedoht.

"Deidre was a special person," LMPD Lt. Col. Ryan Bates said. "She was a great detective but a better friend to a lot of people here." 

LMPD said it will continue to honor her legacy.

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