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Incident
Patrolman Benson was killed in an automobile accident while responding to an accident near Sioux Falls. His training officer was driving when their patrol car was struck head-on by another vehicle. Patrolman Benson had been with the agency for only 18 days.
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.
Patrolman Benson served with the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of South Dakota. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Benson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
South Dakota Highway Patrol has lost 5 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Bernard is one of 19 officers lost to accidents in SD, 29.7% of the 64 remembered there.
Bernard is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bernard is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1941, 1 officer in SD was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1941, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1941, 90 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Bernard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 7.9 years.
Bernard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Bernard had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 5.3% of these deaths in SD; November holds the most, 15.8%. Wednesdays: 21.1%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at South Dakota Highway Patrol, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.7% of all 64 deaths in SD, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
South Dakota Highway Patrol has 5 officers remembered here, Bernard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from South Dakota Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
