FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Monday marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of Wisconsin State Trooper Trevor Casper.

Casper was fatally wounded in a gunfire exchange with an armed suspect in Fond du Lac on March 24, 2015.

At 21, he was the youngest police officer ever killed in the line of duty in Wisconsin.

All law enforcement officers share a bond. Donald Krueger said when one officer is killed in the line of duty-they all hurt.

“Those of us in law enforcement consider everybody their family. So when you hear of anybody being hurt, being shot, your heart drops. You start to think this is somebody that I may not know personally, but it’s still family,” Krueger said.“Those of us in law enforcement consider everybody their family. So when you hear of anybody being hurt, being shot, your heart drops. You start to think this is somebody that I may not know personally, but it’s still family,” Krueger said.

Krueger was an officer for nearly 32 years with the Kaukauna Police Department. He documented Casper’s funeral in 2015. Krueger said what he remembers most is the solidarity of that tragic day. 

“The community of Kiel came together, the kids, the families standing on the sidewalk, holding up signs showing their love for Trooper Casper. It was just an amazing sight to see,” Krueger said.

On the fatal day in 2015, Casper was following a vehicle driven by Steven Snyder, a bank robbery and homicide suspect.

According to the police report, the suspect turned into a Pick ‘N Save parking lot in Fond du Lac. Casper followed, waiting for backup up, not attempting to make the stop.

Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney handled the investigation into his death.

“It appeared that that individual observed or knew that he was being followed, he turned around and started opening fire on Trevor while he was in his squad car, and he was struck at least once while in the car, and he decided to stay in the fight, knowing that the community safety was at risk, and he exited his squad car, and while doing that, he was struck by a fatal round that hit him,” Toney said.

This gunfire lasted 17 seconds. Toney said Casper did more in that time than most people will do in a lifetime.

“I hope that that’s how our community remembers Trevor for what he did for our community, the inspiration that he provides and that we try to live to that standard that Trevor has set for us to and not forget the sacrifice that not just Trevor has made, but that his family has gone through as well when somebody goes into law enforcement,” Toney said.

Krueger said Casper, his fellow brother in blue, should always be remembered as a hero because of his final act of bravery.

“That person may have gone on to hurt or kill someone else. He had already killed one other person during the day, and had that threat not stopped, we don’t know what would have happened, or if anybody else could have been hurt or injured after that,” Krueger said.

Steps away from where Casper lost his life is his memorial. A bench forever marks the End Of Watch for Wisconsin State Trooper #346.

Eight Wisconsin State Troopers have lost their lives in the line of duty in the 83-year history of the State Patrol.