Holly MatkinInver Grove Heights, MN – Inver Grove Heights Police Department (IGHPD) Officer Ben Bidon died on April 30 after suffering a medical emergency, according to his department.
Members of the local fire department, paramedics, and fellow IGHPD officers came to Officer Bidon’s aid on April 28 after they received a call about a medical emergency, the police department said in a press release on May 2.
Officer Bidon, 35, was rushed to Regions Hospital, where he remained throughout the weekend.
“On the evening of Sunday, April 30th, he passed away surrounded by family and friends,” the IGHPD said.
Officer Bidon’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.
Prior to his law enforcement career, Officer Bidon “proudly served his country in the Army from 2005 to 2009,” the police department noted.
“He was a well-decorated veteran and served a 14-month tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 101st Airborne Tiger Force Unit,” the IGHPD added.
Officer Bidon joined the police department on May 13, 2015.
The department described him as a devoted public servant who was “compassionate and diligent in his duties.”
He “served the public with pride” and “worked tirelessly to make this community safe,” the IGHPD said.
Officer Bidon worked as a field training officer, crime scene technician, SWAT operator, team leader, firearms instructor, and use-of-force instructor.
He was assigned to the department’s investigation unit at the time of his death.
Officer Bidon was also honored with the IGHPD’s Lifesaving Award in 2020 and with a Chief’s Award of Merit in 2022.
“Ben’s impact in all facets of his life was immense,” the department said. “Everyone that was blessed to know Ben will remember him for his humor, giant personality, and an even bigger smile. His legacy has left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.”
Officer Bidon leaves behind his wife, Ashley, and his three daughters, four-year-old Elanor, six-year-old Evelyn, and nine-year-old Addison.
A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $36,000 so far.
The IGH Public Safety Foundation has created a GoFundMe campaign for the Bidon family. Please take a moment to check it out:https://t.co/EM6wtQciPs
Your support would mean a lot to the Bidon family.
— IGH-Police (@IGHpdMN) May 2, 2023
His name was Ben Bidon, an Inver Grove Heights Police Officer, he was an Army Veteran. He died after a medical emergency. Rest Easy Brother. Prayers for his family of blue and blood.#podcast #radio #talkradio #talkshow #truecrime #crime #trauma #police #Sheriff #Trooper #PTS pic.twitter.com/6syyAI3CgA
— John J Wiley (@JohnWil21815218) May 3, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Inver Grove Heights Police Department Officer Ben Bidon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
