On Monday, July 15, 1996, Deputy Luther Klug has just finished working the afternoon shift and was on his way home. Deputy Klug had just heard the Hastings Police Department get dispatched to a call that he thought they might need back-up on, so he responded and offered his assistance.
Upon clearing the call with the Hastings officers, Deputy Klug resumed his drive home in his squad car, southbound on Highway 316. At approximately 10:45 PM, as he crossed the intersection of 200th Street, his squad car was broadsided by a vehicle driven by a man who was under the influence of alcohol and who had just ran a stop sign. Deputy Klug was less than a mile from home.
Deputies, police officers, and emergency personnel rendered first aid to Deputy Klug. He was airlifted to St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center. Deputy Klug died on the operating table at 1:04 AM, July 16, 1996.
The memorial service took place at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church in Hastings on July 19, 1996. Pastor Daniel Klug, Luther's brother, was one of the preachers who presided at the service. Over 900 uniformed peace officers attended the service, along with family and friends.
Deputy Klug graduated from high school in Black Duck, Minnesota. He attended the Alexandria Technical College and received a law enforcement degree. He began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Hawley, Minnesota. He later was hired by the Cannon Falls Police Department, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He joined the Dakota County Sheriff's Office in 1990.
Deputy Klug was honored by the Dakota County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in May of 1995 for his high number of DWI arrests. He was a firearms and self-defense instructor. He was a member of the Sheriff's Special Weapons and Tactics Team, where he was a team leader.
Deputy Klug was survived by his wife, Geri, and a four-year-old son, Jordon.