Bellevue Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 16, 1969
Age: 60
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 49-21
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: April 16, 1969
Weapon Used: Blunt object; Shovel
Suspect Info: Paroled after 3 years
Chief Berendes was beaten to death with a shovel while investigating a burglary at a local garage. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 years, but was paroled less then three years later.
Chief Berendes had served with the agency for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.