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Incident
Patrolman Rodney Trahan was killed in an automobile crash during a vehicle pursuit of a speeding vehicle. Another turned onto the roadway in front of Patrolman Trahan, causing a collision. Patrolman Trahan's vehicle continued into a lumber yard where it caught fire. Patrolman Trahan and the driver of the vehicle that turned in front of him were killed. The driver he was chasing continued to flee the scene. Patrolman Trahan was a U.S. Army veteran.
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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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Rodney is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Trahan served with the Kaplan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kaplan community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Rodney Joseph Trahan served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rodney is the only officer of Kaplan Police Department remembered here.
Rodney is one of 180 officers lost to accidents in LA, 30.3% of the 595 remembered there.
Rodney is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Rodney 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 1969, 3 officers in LA were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 94 years on record. The heaviest was 1999, with 8.
In 1969, 62 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1969, 84 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Rodney was 23. Of the 148 lost to accidents in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Rodney was 23. 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.
Rodney was 23. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
April holds 11.1% of these deaths in LA, more than any other month. Fridays: 10%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kaplan Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30.3% of all 595 deaths in LA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Military Service
Rodney Joseph Trahan served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Rodney Joseph Trahan’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Kaplan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.