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James O. Rondeau
Incident
Assistant Forest Warden James Rondeau and District Forest Warden Roscoe Rickey were killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 21A (modern-day Route 305) and Bond Road in Kitsap County.
They were patrolling the area for people illegally harvesting Christmas trees from state forest lands. Forest Warden Rickey's vision was obscured by an oncoming vehicle on Bond Road as both entered the intersection to cross over Highway 21A. A vehicle traveling on the highway struck the forestry truck, causing it to leave the roadway and into a culvert. Forest Warden Rickey and Assistant Forest Warden Rondeau were both ejected from the vehicle into Harding Creek.
Six teenagers in the other car were injured.
Assistant Forest Warden Rondeau had served with the Washington Department of Natural Resources for 18 months. He had previously served with the Bremerton Police Department for 10 years and the Washington State Patrol.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, three grandchildren, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Assistant Forest Warden Rondeau gave the Washington Department of Natural Resources Police 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Olympia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Assistant Forest Warden Rondeau.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Washington Department of Natural Resources Police has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 111 officers lost to accidents in WA, 32.6% of the 340 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 2 officers in WA were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 70 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 5.
In 1958, 50 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1958, 61 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 89th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 60. Of the 92 lost to accidents in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46.3; the middle age was 38. James had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 60. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 60. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 11.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.9% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 15.3%. Saturdays: 15.3%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Washington Department of Natural Resources Police.
Accident deaths account for 32.6% of all 340 deaths in WA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Washington Department of Natural Resources Police has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Washington Department of Natural Resources Police are honored on badge.nw.
