This afternoon, EPPD staff, alumni and members of Officer Jeff Berg’s family gathered outside the new Police Department facility to rededicate “Jeff’s Bench,” a memorial to the longtime Eden Prairie officer who died in 2008 after battling cancer.

The bench was originally dedicated Aug. 12, 2009, and was previously located outside the department’s night lobby. Funds for the bench were donated by current and retired City employees.

When Officer Berg passed away, he left behind his own family and his police family, the people with whom he had worked side-by-side for 22 years. Days after his death, Officer Berg was posthumously awarded the Department’s Career Achievement Award for the dedication and commitment he demonstrated while serving the City. Known for his helpfulness, calm and gentle demeanor, and attention to detail, Officer Berg spent his career as a patrol officer, detective and Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) member.

At today's rededication, Chief Matt Sackett and current and former members of the department spoke of Jeff’s devotion to his family and his profession. Rev. Paul Nelson, one of the department’s chaplains, blessed the bench with the original blessing from 2009.

Jeff remains the only Eden Prairie police officer to pass away while still an active member of the department. With “Jeff’s Bench” now outside the new Police Department facility, his memory and legacy of service remain a part of the department he served for more than two decades.