Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MT-628CE435- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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
Patrolman Richard E. Hedstrom is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In MT, 93 of 142 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.5% of this state's fallen. That is 65.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Montana Highway Patrol, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard E. Hedstrom's cause is highlighted.
How Richard E. Hedstrom Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard E. Hedstrom is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard E. Hedstrom was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Montana Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
