In the spring of 1995, a tragedy unfolded in Jefferson County, Colorado, that claimed the life of a dedicated public servant. Sergeant Timothy Michael Mossbrucker, a 36-year-old male, was a respected member of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office with 17 years of service. On April 28th, he responded to a chaotic scene at an Albertson's supermarket where a shooting was in progress.
Little did he know, he was driving into a situation that would abruptly end his life and leave a lasting scar on the community he served.
The perpetrator of the violence was Albert Petrosky. Before law enforcement arrived, Petrosky had already engaged in a horrific shooting rampage inside the supermarket, killing his estranged wife and one of her co-workers, and injuring a third individual. After committing these acts, he retreated to the parking lot, armed himself with a large-caliber rifle from his van, and lay in wait for the first police officer to arrive. As Sergeant Mossbrucker's patrol car approached the store, Petrosky opened fire. The fatal shots were fired through the windshield of the vehicle before Mossbrucker even had a chance to exit. Though he was wearing a protective vest, the bullets found a vulnerable spot, striking him in the side panel.
In the aftermath of the horrific event, Petrosky surrendered to the authorities. He was subsequently charged with and convicted of the murders of his wife, her co-worker, and Sergeant Mossbrucker. The court sentenced him to life in prison for his crimes. However, before he could be formally sentenced and transferred to prison, Albert Petrosky took his own life while incarcerated in the Denver County Jail. The community was left to mourn the loss of Sergeant Mossbrucker, who was remembered for his infectious smile and unwavering dedication to his duty. He left behind a wife who was expecting their child, along with three sons and two daughters. His fourth son was born after his untimely death.
