EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, WI. (THECOUNT) — Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger, 29, has died from injuries suffered Sept. 21 when he fell from an Interstate 94 bridge while attempting to deploy a tire deflation device during a traffic pursuit in western Wisconsin.
Ritger fell from the bridge deck west of the Dunn County-Eau Claire County line as he moved to a position of cover after deploying the device, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol.
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Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Ritger died Friday, Oct. 2, the Wisconsin State Patrol confirmed.
Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan mourned Ritger as a “brave and dedicated colleague,” saying his service and sacrifice would never be forgotten.
Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the agency’s 67th Recruit Class and served in its Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area.
During his State Patrol career, Ritger attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector.
Before joining the State Patrol, Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for nearly three years.
WisDOT and the Wisconsin State Patrol extended condolences to Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and fellow members of the law enforcement community. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family.
The fatal incident occurred along I-94 near the Dunn County-Eau Claire County line in western Wisconsin, a region roughly midway between Eau Claire and Menomonie. Eau Claire is the county seat of Eau Claire County and a major regional center in west-central Wisconsin.
Google Maps: I-94 near the Dunn County-Eau Claire County line, WI
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