Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Wednesday, November 12, 1997
Add to My HeroesBruce VanderJagt
Police Officer Bruce VanderJagt was shot and killed while assisting another agency in an attempt to apprehend burglary suspects whom they had chased into Denver during a 30 mile pursuit.
As Officer VanderJagt was approaching the apartment, in the 3300 block of South Monaco Parkway, the suspect opened fire on him with a fully automatic SKS rifle. He was struck several times in the head and torso. He was pronounced dead at 3:58 pm at Denver Medical Health Center.
The suspect was found dead at approximately 4:30 pm from a self-inflicted gunshot wound from Officer VanderJagt's weapon. The initial suspect who committed the burglary, which eventually led to Officer VanderJagt's murder, was sentenced to life in prison for her role but was later released to a halfway house.
Officer VanderJagt had served with the Denver Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; SKS
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 211 ReflectionsI met Bruce when I worked for Denver Paramedics. I was laying on the ground trying to stabilize a patient on an overturned vehicle. All of a sudden I see this smiling Denver Officer asking if I needed help. We became friends that day. My heart broke when he passed. It broke for his wife and daughter and our law enforcement, EMS, Fire and hospital family. I am now a retired Deputy. I went to the National Memorial and found him. I scratched his name on a paper and got a picture of myself next to his name. It stands in my front room everyday. I love and miss you my friend. You have earned your place in Heaven.
Retired Deputy Julia
Washington County
August 25, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tucker Blakely
Knox County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: October 2, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Shannon Eric "Shane" Lang, Sr.
Marion County Sheriff's Department, TN
EOW: September 17, 2023
Captain John Robert Randolph, III
Ringling Police Department, OK
EOW: September 25, 2023
Correctional Officer I Robert Danforth Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023
Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023
Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023