Our Fallen

May There Never Be A Third

Chivalry, integrity and the love of peace.  That was their gift. That is their legacy.

In Memoy of Trooper Pete Visser

Pete Visser Picture

In October of 1981, Trooper Pete Visser became the first Wyoming State Trooper to die in the line of duty, ending a remarkable 48-year safety record. After being called from his home in Wamsutter to investigate a crash in the early morning hours, his patrol car was hit at full speed by an intoxicated driver. Pete’s patrol car soon became engulfed in flames. He was quickly extracted by a passing bus driver and wrecker operator, but Pete had already sustained serious neck and head injuries. He was taken by air ambulance to Casper, where he succumbed to his injuries. The drunk driver in this case received the maximum allowable penalty at the time – six months in jail. Ironically, Pete’s death caused a delay in two other DWUI cases. He was the arresting officer in both.

Pete left a wife, Debra, and two small children.

In Memory of Trooper Chris Logsdon

In October of 1998, Trooper Chris Logsdon became the second Wyoming State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty. After receiving a report of an intoxicated driver near Wheatland, Logsdon responded at high speed in hopes of deterring a crash involving the driver and other innocent motorists, including a bus full of school children Chris had just passed. At the crest of a hill, Chris encountered the driver head-on, who was now driving the wrong way on Interstate 25. Chris abruptly and intentionally steered right, sparing the life of the driver. The driver was later found to be sober, but elderly and confused; reportedly thinking he was in Nebraska. Chris’s patrol car left the roadway, went through the right of way fence and overturned several times. Chris, although buckled in, sustained massive head and neck trauma, killing him instantly.

Chris left a wife, Kay, and four children.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as “Police Week”. Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The first official memorial service took place on May 15th, 1982. On that date, approximately 125 people gathered in Sanate Park to honor 91 law enforcement officers. Over the past 22 years, we have honored over 3,000 law enforcement officers from around our nation. Today, the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service has become one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).” – National Memorial Committee 

The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Grand Lodge Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Police are the official sponsors of the Memorial Service.