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Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony
Savannah Blake May. 6, 2022 12:27 pm, Updated: May. 6, 2022 4:21 pm
Trooper Ted Benda and Sergeant Jim Smith were honored at the 2022 Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6th, 2022. Law enforcement agencies from around the state were in attendance to pay their respects.
An Iowa State Patrol Officer holds up the state of Iowa flag during the presentation of colors during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. Police members from around the state attended the ceremony honoring two fallen officers. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard officers present the colors at the beginning of the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. The ceremony honored the service of Trooper Ted Benda and Sergeant Jim Smith. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Sergeant Ted Stroope plays “Taps” on the bugle during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
An officer wears a band that says “Team B.L.U.E.” next to a list of Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Honorees during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Gov. Kim Reynolds and DPS Commissioner Stephan Bayens move the wreath on the Peace Officer Memorial during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
A bagpiper plays “Amazing Grace” during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Members of the Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard stand at attention during the playing of “Taps” by Sergeant Ted Stroope during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Sergeant Tyson Underwood calls out to officers during the 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Iowa DNR officers salute during the presentation of colors at the beginning of the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Law enforcement from around the state gathered to honor the lives of Trooper Ted Benda and Sergeant Jim Smith during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks about the sacrifice of police officers and the service of Trooper Ted Benda and Sergeant Jim Smith during the 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Holly Benda becomes emotional as she hugs Gov. Kim Reynolds after presenting her with a flag for her fallen husband Trooper Ted Benda during the 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. In October of 2021, Trooper Benda lost control of his vehicle after encountering a deer while on his way to call. Benda served on the Department of Public Safety for 15 years. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens speaks about Sergeant Jim Smith during the 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. Bayens said he keeps a copied note from Smith on his desk that was found in his bible after passing away. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Kathryn Smith gets emotional as she looks up at Gov. Kim Reynolds after presenting her with a flag for her husbands service during the 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. Sergeant Jim Smith was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a subject. Sergeant Smith served with the Iowa State Patrol for 27 years. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Veterans hold American flags during the opening remarks made by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. Bayens spoke about the two fallen officers and their impact on their families, friends and teams. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Ted Benda’s mother Marsha Benda wipes away a tear while listening to Gov. Kim Reynolds talk about her son during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. Benda’s family all attended the ceremony, including his wife and four daughters. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Madelyn Benda, 11, uses a crayon to trace her father’s name at the Peace Officer Memorial Site at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Holly Benda watches as her daughters Madelyn Benda, 11, from left, Vivian Benda, 3, and Avery Benda, 9, use pieces of paper and crayons to trace over their fathers name at the Peace Officer Memorial site after the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony at the Oran Pape State Office Building in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, May 6, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

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