Fallen Iowa State Patrol Officer Ted Benda honored with Iowa State Police Association Purple Heart ...
Waukon native and fallen Iowa State Patrol Officer Ted Benda was awarded the Iowa State Police Association “Purple Heart” Award at the 90th Annual Iowa State Police Association (ISPA) Conference held October 3-5 in Cedar Rapids, following his death as the result of a single-vehicle accident while responding to a call in October of last year. Pictured at right at the ISPA Conference where the award was presented are Officer Benda’s wife, Holly, and their four daughters surrounded by officers from both the Iowa State Patrol Headquarters in Des Moines and Iowa State Patrol District 10 in Oelwein that Officer Benda served in at the time of his passing, in addition to Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens (far right). While responding to assist with a call in Clayton County in the overnight hours of October 14, 2021, Officer Benda suffered fatal injuries when he swerved to miss a deer on State Highway 51 north of Postville, causing his State Patrol vehicle to lose control, enter a ditch and roll. He finally succumbed to his injuries a few days later, October 20, but not before he was able to continue to serve and assist even more individuals as an organ and tissue donor.
“In looking at this honor awarded to Ted, and in Holly and their family receiving it - much like we had with Trooper Jim Smith (Iowa State Patrol Officer who was shot to death in a 2021 Grundy Center stand-off) last year - it’s important to remember that every one of these officers is putting their life on the line in serving and supporting their communities, and it’s also very important to honor the sacrifices they and their families have made in their service,” Sergeant Alex Dinkla, Iowa State Patrol Public Information Officer shared. “We know that Holly and her and Ted’s family will continue to serve their own communities, and in doing so will never let Ted and his dedication and commitment to serving others be forgotten.” Photo courtesy of the Iowa State Patrol.
