Wisconsin State Patrol honors fallen troopers with new memorial

FORT MCCOY, Wis.— The Wisconsin State Patrol unveiled the primary ever memorial for fallen troopers in Wisconsin.

Eight Wisconsin state troopers who gave the last word sacrifice will now reside on without end. Their names are etched right into a memorial on the campus of the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy.

The honored troopers embrace: Trooper Donald C. “Pete” Pederson, Trooper Gary G. Powless, Trooper Deborah M. McMenamin, Trooper III William Schoenberger, Trooper Jorge Ronald Dimas, Trooper Trevor John Casper, Trooper Anthony Joseph Borostowski and Grasp Trooper Daniel Allen Stainbrook.

It has been a very long time coming for these left behind. 

Again in 1980, Donna McDonough’s familys lives modified without end.

“It actually devastated my household. My mother and pop actually by no means bought over it,” McDonough mentioned.

McDonough misplaced her brother, Gary Powless, after he was hit and killed by a semi-truck whereas in his patrol automobile. She mentioned it was a heartbreaking tragedy her household; they’ve lived with it for over 4 a long time. However now, this memorial will maintain his title together with the seven different troopers.

“It’s good to see them honored for the sacrifices they made,” McDonough mentioned.

Wisconsin Division of Transportation secretary, Craig Thompson, mentioned it means rather a lot to have the ability to honor the lives of those troopers and supply their households with a memorial.

“It’s extremely impactful. I’ve been capable of discuss to some relations and I hope they understand how grateful the state is that their relations have given,” Thompson mentioned.

(Spectrum Information 1/Megan Marshall)

Relations of the fallen troopers mentioned it’s a proud second to know their family members are being honored.

“It means rather a lot. I’m certain to all of the households who misplaced their family members, it means an terrible lot,” McDonough mentioned.

It’s an impactful memorial that showcases the names of the eight women and men who laid their life on the road whereas serving the state of Wisconsin.

(Spectrum Information 1/Megan Marshall)