Memorial Bridge Dedication for Sgt. Smith and Trooper Benda

Posted: October 13, 2023 at 7:58 am

On October 16, 2023, the Iowa State Patrol will be dedicating two bridges to fallen hero’s Sgt. Jim Smith and Trooper Ted Benda who both died in the line of duty in 2021.

It has been a long standing tradition of the State Patrol to name a bridge after a trooper who has paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting Iowans. Following these dedications, there will be a total of 12 bridges named across the state.

The Sgt. Jim Smith Memorial Bridge dedication will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Iowa DOT Independence Maintenance Garage located at 2001 240th St. in Independence. The sign will be placed at a later date on the Wapsipinicon River Bridge on Hwy 20 in Independence.

The Trooper Ted Benda Memorial Bridge dedication will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Iowa DOT Waukon Maintenance Garage located at 1380 9th St SW in Waukon. The sign will be placed at a later date on the Yellow River Bridge on Hwy 51 north of Postville.

The approximate cost of the signs total $2,400.00 which was graciously paid by the Iowa State Patrol Troopers Association, the Iowa State Patrol Supervisors Association, and the Iowa State Patrol Retirees Association.

Both Sgt. Smith and Trooper Benda were based out of the District 10 office in Oelwein.

Photo Credit:  Iowa State Patrol via Facebook