FORT MCCOY, Wis.— The Wisconsin State Patrol unveiled the first ever memorial for fallen troopers in Wisconsin.
Eight Wisconsin state troopers who gave the ultimate sacrifice will now live on forever. Their names are etched into a memorial on the campus of the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy.
The honored troopers include: 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 Master Trooper Daniel Allen Stainbrook.
It's been a long time coming for those left behind.
Back in 1980, Donna McDonough’s familys lives changed forever.
“It really devastated my family. My mom and dad really never got over it,” McDonough said.
McDonough lost her brother, Gary Powless, after he was hit and killed by a semi-truck while in his patrol car. She said it was a heartbreaking tragedy her family; they have lived with it for over four decades. But now, this memorial will hold his name along with the seven other troopers.
“It’s nice to see them honored for the sacrifices they made,” McDonough said.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation secretary, Craig Thompson, said it means a lot to be able to honor the lives of these troopers and provide their families with a memorial.
“It’s incredibly impactful. I have been able to talk to some family members and I hope they know how grateful the state is that their family members have given,” Thompson said.
Family members of the fallen troopers said it’s a proud moment to know their loved ones are being honored.
“It means a lot. I’m sure to all the families who lost their loved ones, it means an awful lot,” McDonough said.
It is an impactful memorial that showcases the names of the eight men and women who laid their life on the line while serving the state of Wisconsin.
