(Des Moines, Iowa) – Two more Iowa State Patrol troopers’ names have been added to the Iowa Peace Officers Memorial near the statehouse.  Trooper Ted Benda and Sgt. Jim Smith were both honored in a ceremony Friday morning. Both lost their lives in the line of duty.

Benda died in October 2021 while responding to a call in Clayton County. He served the department for 15 years. Sgt. Smith was shot and killed in April of 2021 while trying to arrest a suspect in Grundy Center. He served the Iowa State Patrol for 27 years. The trial for the man charged with killing him begins Monday.

Trooper Benda

Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg attended the event. The Iowa State Patrol says this type event is always emotional for everyone involved.

Sgt. Smith