Grim Milestone For Fallen Berlin Police Officer's Legacy

BERLIN, CT — The Berlin Police Department Sunday remembered a grim anniversary as it marked the 40th anniversary of the line-of-duty death of a rookie police officer.

Sunday, Feb. 2, marked 40 years since BPD Officer Jeffery G. Casner, 21, was killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at an accident scene on the Berlin Turnpike.

The BPD marked the grim milestone via social media.

"On this day, 40 years ago, Officer Jeffery Casner gave his life in service to our community," wrote the BPD.

"Today, and every day, we remember the sacrifice that Jeff and his family made and we hold them close to our hearts always. Rest easy, hero."

According to a memorial page set up online, Casner was only on the job for three months when he was killed.

The suspect was charged and sentenced to 16 months behind bars, according to the memorial page, but was killed in a motorcycle accident the weekend before he was to report to prison.

Casner was survived by his parents, two sisters, and his brother, also a BPD police officer who was on duty the night his brother died.

Meanwhile, Casner was never forgotten by the BPD and the department maintains a webpage dedicated to his legacy.

It has also created "The Casner Award," which annually goes to the local police officer with the most driving while intoxicated arrests.

One commenter on the BPD's Facebook page remembered that night.

"Great man and a great friend. I wish he had stayed at my dining room table and finished his coffee instead of running out on that call," wrote the commenter.

" He was taking a report from me. Maybe I should have talked slower. I’ll never forget it coming over the scanner."

For more information on the late Jeffery G. Casner and his legacy with the Berlin Police Department, click on this link.