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Incident
Chief of Police Aldean Sorbo was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver on Highway 253 while directing traffic at a funeral home on July 4th, 1978. The FBI was able to determine the make of the car from paint samples taken from Chief Sorbo's clothing. Several days later two teenage girls were arrested and charged in connection with the accident. Chief Sorbo was the only member of the Bricelyn Police Department and had served with the agency for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Sorbo gave the Bricelyn Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bricelyn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Sorbo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Aldean is the only officer of Bricelyn Police Department remembered here.
Aldean is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
Aldean is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Aldean is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 4 officers in MN were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Aldean was 46. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Aldean had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Aldean was 46. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Aldean had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Aldean was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Aldean had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13.9% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Sundays: 12.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Bricelyn Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Bricelyn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.