Honoring the only North Dakota trooper killed in the line of duty 70 years later

JAMESTOWN — On a scorching afternoon Wednesday, Aug. 3, almost two dozen folks gathered on the Highland Residence Cemetery. That included Ken Attleson, the one remaining relative of North Dakota Freeway Patrol Trooper Beryl McLane.

“It means rather a lot,” mentioned Attleson.

A brand new tombstone has been put into place for Trooper McLane, the one North Dakota Freeway Patrol trooper killed within the line of obligation within the division’s 87-year historical past.

“There actually wasn’t any freeway patrol illustration, and it virtually felt because it was lacking that piece,” mentioned Colonel Brandon Solberg.

Trooper McLane was killed July 30, 1954 whereas on patrol. A drunk driver crossed the center-line on Freeway 13 close to LaMoure, and slammed head-on into his patrol automobile. The 58-year-old left behind a spouse, son and a daughter. His grandson was simply 3 years outdated.

The 27-year-old driver who killed McLane served 3 years for manslaughter.

“It bothered the household fairly a bit, it should not have occurred,” mentioned Attleson.

Every year, members of the freeway patrol go to trooper McLane’s gravesite on the anniversary of his demise. A pair years in the past, the troopers thought he deserved extra. The grave marker had grow to be worn and the grass was protecting it.

“(It was) inadequate for what he gave to us,” mentioned North Dakota Trooper’s Affiliation president Steven Mayer.

They instantly started speaking about honoring their solely fallen hero. The price was not low-cost. It was going to value $3,000. Nevertheless, an nameless donor wished to honor Trooper McLane’s sacrifice.

“A gentleman overheard a dialog that we have been having, pulled me apart, and mentioned he wish to pay for half the tombstone,” defined Mayer.

Trooper McLane’s grandson visits the gravesite two to 3 occasions a yr. He mentioned he had by no means actually thought-about upgrading his grandfather’s as a result of it matches all the opposite ones within the cemetery.

“We have been fairly stunned on that, which we actually recognize, and like to search out out who it’s so, we will thank whoever it was,” mentioned Attleson.

“100 years from now, when everyone is gone, hopefully they’ll recognize who he was and what he sacrificed,” mentioned Mayer.

Previous to turning into a trooper, McLane additionally served with the Jamestown Police Division and Aberdeen Police Division.