A couple of law enforcement officers who died while on duty were honored today with a somber ceremony on the state capitol grounds.
Report from Radio Iowa’s Pat Curtis:
Des Moines Police Officer Roger Hildreth and State Trooper Mark Toney had their names engraved on a large memorial plaque, which now includes the names of 166 Iowa law officers who have died in the line of duty. Hildreth suffered a fatal heart attack while running on a treadmill in the Des Moines Police Department’s gym. Trooper Toney was killed last September when his patrol car left a roadway south of Indianola, rolled several times and burst into flames.
Governor Terry Branstad delivered remarks at the ceremony held near a Peace Officer Memorial monument. “Being a peace office means sacrifice and danger,” Branstad said. “Tragically, sometimes this sacrifice leads to the ultimate sacrifice.”
Officer Hildreth was a U.S. Navy veteran who had served with the Des Moines Police Department for 18 years. Toney had served with the Iowa State Patrol for 24 years.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers we honor today and all of the officers who are listed on the memorial that have given their lives in service of our state and our communities,” Branstad said.
Officer Hildreth is survived by two daughters, a brother and two sisters. Trooper Toney is survived by his fiancé, his parents, two sons, a brother and two sisters.