FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The memory of fallen Wisconsin State Trooper Trevor Casper is very much alive in Fond Du Lac.
Casper was killed in the line of duty, on March 24, 2015.
The 21-year-old had just recently been sworn in as new trooper. He was working his first solo assignment when he was shot and killed.
Casper was pursuing the vehicle of robbery suspect that ended with both of them firing shots.
A ceremony was held for, what will now be a permanent memorial site, the fallen trooper Saturday.
Fond Du Lac D-A Eric Toney spoke to WLUK….
“When somebody attacks a police officer, to me it’s not just attacking a police officer, it’s attacking the fabric of our society” The memorial dedication was also a rehash of emotions for those like, Capt. Ryan Chaffee of the Wisconsin State Patrol.
“It feels like it was just yesterday, and especially when you go through a ceremony like this it brings back those emotions and those feelings from that day”
He was one of dozens who gathered to once again honor the fallen hero during the dedication, and unveiling of a bench and plaque which will forever remember Casper.
“To make this memorial happen today there’s no doubt that Trevor’s sacrifice is not going to be forgotten. It’s going to have an impact on our community forever,” Toney said.
After Casper’s death, the Pick ‘n Save grocery store near where the shooting happened partnered with Wisconsin State Patrol to raise money for a memorial.
James Hyland is the vice president of communications for Roundy’s Supermarkets.
“The troopers came and bagged groceries and so forth we wanted to do this” He says in just over a week’s time, they were able to raise $10,000.
“We did it in 2016, between Veterans Day and thanksgiving between our two Fond du Lac stores” As for Troopers like Chaffee, he says when the public sees this bench, he hopes it symbolizes one thing.
“This was an officer who gave his life, in support his community. I hope people see this and they keep those thoughts in mind”
Other local business also pitched in, helping to complete the project.
The Fond du Lac and Kiel police departments, as well as the Wisconsin Troopers Association, also helped to raise the money needed.
