Louisville honors Detective Deidre Mengedoht 6 years after line-of-duty death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police officers paused Tuesday to remember Detective Deidre Mengedoht six years after she was killed in the line of duty.

A memorial with family and friends was held Christmas Eve at the Louisville Metro Police 2nd Division Headquarters at 3419 Bohne Ave.

"December 24th always will be a special and solemn day," said LMPD Major Russ Miller. "On this day six years ago, Detective Deidre Mengedoht made the ultimate sacrifice for this community."

On Christmas Eve in 2018, Mengedoht died in a crash on Interstate 64 near the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. 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.

Every year since her death, fellow Louisville Metro Police officers have gathered to honor her service.

"Deidre's work as a police officer was admirable, but Deidre's legacy was so much more than that," said Detective Sergeant Clint Brake. "The loss of Deidre was a tragedy not only for those of us who knew her, but for our community as a whole. Deidre always lived intentionally, and her work and her heart will serve as an example for us all."

"Deidre just had a drive that a lot of people don't have," Deputy Chief Ryan Bates added. "She was committed to her community, and she excelled at what she dod. I think that's something that everybody can learn from."

Officers placed a wreath alongside her memorial at the 2nd Division, just as has been done in years prior. Then, as taps played, family members and officers who worked with Mengedoht laid flowers at the foot of the memorial.

A moment of silence was also held on officers' radios.

In November 2022, the department unveiled its renovated gym in the second division, which is dedicated to Mengedoht. A section of Interstate 64 has also been named in her honor.

LMPD said it will continue to honor her legacy.

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