JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Troopers Association (NDTA) dedicated a new headstone to fallen officer Beryl McLane Monday, Aug. 1.
Trooper McLane is the only North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper to be killed in the line of duty. He was killed in a car crash near LaMoure on Friday, July 30, 1954 when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on the wrong side of the road traveling at a high rate of speed.
McLane had served the patrol for 13 years.
NDHP Chaplain Les Wolfgram gave a short prayer before the ceremony at the Highland Home Cemetery in Jamestown.
After the wreath was placed, Colonel Brandon Solberg said being at McLane’s final resting place had a lot of meaning to himself and the agency.
Col. Solberg added it was an opportunity for himself and other troopers to rededicate themselves to their mission of keeping North Dakota roads safe.
NDTA President Steven Mayer gave his vow that every July 30, McLane’s grave would be accompanied by a North Dakota State Highway Patrol trooper.
The new headstone was placed in a collaboration with the NDTA and an anonymous donor.
