Officer Albert J Cunnien

End of Watch : July 3, 1925

OFFICER ALBERT J. CUNNIEN
St. Paul PD
Died July 3, 1925

On Friday night, July 3rd, Officer Albert J. Cunnien had been stationed in Phalen Park just north of the boat docks on traffic control since cars were driving through the park to see the preparations for the fourth of July celebration the next day. Shortly before midnight, Cunnien saw a large car traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. He told the driver to slow down, but the driver ignored him, so Cunnien pursued him on his motorcycle. Cunnien caught up to the car and pulled alongside it at the second bridge north of the boat docks before the junction of the park drive with County Road B. He again ordered the driver to stop. The driver then pulled over into the officer, crushing him against the steel railing on the bridge and pinning Cunnien underneath the motorcycle. Cunnien was unconscious and died on his way to the hospital.

Witnesses were unable to give a description of the suspect vehicle that fled the scene. Other witnesses reported that the front wheel of the motorcycle appeared to wobble prior to the accident and that may have caused the accident.

Officer Cunnien was to receive a promotion in a few weeks. He joined the department December 16th, 1913, and resigned five years later. He rejoined the department in August, 1924, and was assigned to the park department. He left behind a wife and five children. He was 32 years old. His funeral was held on July 7th at St. Andrews Church and he was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Sourced from: The book "We Will Remember"
With permission from Lisa Lovering, Author and Board of Director
MN Law Enforcement Memorial Association
L.E.M.A. 2009

Frank J Appel

Murdock E Murray