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Incident
Patrolman Rick Hedstrom was struck and killed by a drunk driver during a traffic stop on U.S. 93, two miles south of Kalispell at 1:30 am. He was writing a warning for a malfunctioning headlight, and his training officer was sitting in the patrol car when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck traveling at 87 mph. The impact pushed the patrol car into Patrolman Hedstrom, causing fatal injuries. The driver of the truck was to be charged with negligent homicide but died of injuries sustained in the collision. Patrolman Hedstrom had only served with the Montana Highway Patrol for 18 days.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, brother, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hedstrom served with the Montana Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Montana. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hedstrom.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Montana Highway Patrol has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 1 officer at Montana Highway Patrol was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 24. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Montana Highway Patrol whose age is recorded, half were between 24 and 30; the middle age was 28. Richard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Richard was 24. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Richard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Richard was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Richard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Montana Highway Patrol; November holds the most, 20%. Thursdays: 20%.
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Thursdays: 11.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Montana Highway Patrol, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Montana Highway Patrol has 8 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Montana Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
