Area honors fallen Trooper Ted Benda

IOWA - Around 50 law enforcement vehicles (and one helicopter) were part of an escort for Iowa State Trooper Ted Benda, who died in the line of duty on Oct. 20, 2021.

The escort left Ankeny, Iowa at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, traveling on Interstate 35, then turning on Highway 9, heading to Benda’s home town of Waukon.

Towns along the route had individuals standing with hands on heart and holding flags as the hearse passed by. 

Fire departments and law enforcement were also on hand to honor a fellow officer. Schools allowed students to watch the procession, including Osage, Riceville and schools in Cresco.

Flags in Riceville were put up along the route. The fire department had eight trucks blocking traffic, the ambulance and the majority of the firefighters on Highway 9 as well.

Elma Fire Department had two trucks and six firefighters parked at Garden Ave. to honor the fallen officer.

Chester had seven firefighters manning two trucks at Saratoga and two trucks at Jade Ave.

Lime Springs had two trucks and six firefighters standing at Davis Corners.

Protivin Fire Department brought several firefighters. 

Its aerial truck, along with Cresco’s aerial truck, formed an arch at Beadle Park. It was an awesome sight as the escort traveled underneath the United States flag.

Flags lined Highway 9 and the Freedom Rock area. Notre Dame and Crestwood schools let students out of class to watch the procession.

Ridgeway had two trucks on Highway 9 with four firefighters. The escort continued through Decorah, before its final stop in Waukon.

Trooper Benda was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Thursday, Oct. 14. He was responding to a call to assist Clayton County officials with a wanted suspect. He succumbed to his injuries the following Wednesday.

He began his career in 2005 with the Division of Criminal Investigation and transferred to the Iowa State Patrol in 2016.

Benda grew up in Waukon and was currently living in rural Decorah with his wife and four daughters, ages 11 years to three weeks. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at Waukon High School. Casketbearers were the Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard.