Kalispell trooper to be honored in D.C.

Fallen Montana Highway Patrol trooper David A. Graham of Kalispell will be honored today at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service in Washington D.C.

The memorial service, which is held every year on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, will honor the 181 law officers from across the country who in 2007 lost their lives in the line of duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Graham, 36, died the morning of Oct. 9, 2007, after his squad car was struck head-on by a pickup that crossed the center turn lane on U.S. 2.

He was performing routine traffic patrol.

Graham's wife and children, escorted by a Kalispell highway trooper, are attending the service and other events held throughout National Police Week, according to Montana Highway Patrol Capt. Clancy King.

"It should be a really moving experience," said King, noting that Montana troopers haven't before participated in National Peace Officers Memorial Day events outside the state.

After the memorial service, which will be held outside the U.S. Capitol building, a wreath will be placed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located just north of the National Mall's east end.

"Officer David Graham gave his life in service to the people of Montana, and his loss is felt by each of us," U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said in a statement. "Whether it's service to one's community, state or country, it is the most noble of human endeavors. David was a hero, not only to his wife and children, but to all of us - and I'm proud to call him a Montanan."

Graham is the fifth trooper to lose his life in the line of duty since the Highway Patrol was created in 1935. The previous trooper killed in the line of duty, Michael M. Ren, died in an April 8, 1978, shootout with a fugitive near Eureka while trying to serve a warrant.

Ren's son, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Jerril Ren, also is attending today's service in Washington, D.C., King said.

President John F. Kennedy created National Peace Officers Memorial Day as part of National Police Week in 1962. A memorial service for officers killed in the line of duty has been held on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which always falls on May 15, since 1982 and a candlelight vigil since 1989.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com