NEWS

Mourners pay their respects to fallen state trooper

Phillip Bock
Gannett Wisconsin Media
Two Fond du Lac police officers console each other following the memorial service for Trevor Casper Sunday March 29, 2015 in Kiel.

KIEL – Wisconsin State Trooper Trevor Casper — killed last week doing the job he had always dreamed of — was remembered Sunday as a brave, energetic officer proud to protect and serve.

"Trooper Trevor Casper is an inspiration to us all," Wisconsin State Trooper Captain Anthony Burrell said. "He gave his all when it truly mattered. To protect his community from harm, he paid the ultimate sacrifice."

"Brave, fearless, and courageous are just a few words I could use to describe Trooper Caspser, but the one I prefer to use to best describe him is hero," Burrell said.

Thousands of mourners, many of them law enforcement officers, paid their respects at the 21-year-old's memorial service at Kiel High School, where Casper graduated four years ago and competed on the wrestling and soccer teams.

"When an officer is killed in the line of duty, it impacts all of us, because we stand together," Ramona Prieto, a deputy commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, said. "It's very important we come together to mourn the loss."

Casper was fatally shot Tuesday evening in Fond du Lac after exchanging gunfire with an alleged bank robbery suspect, who was also killed in the exchange.

Thousands of law enforcement officers from across the state — and nation — attended the service to pay respects to Casper. Gov. Scott Walker, who made a quiet entrance, offered his condolences to Casper's family.

"We also offer our prayers to his extended family, to the Wisconsin State Patrol, and to law enforcement offers all across the state and all across the country," Walker said. "What an honor to see nearly every state in the country represented here today. We thank God every day for men and women like Trevor who are willing to serve."

Trevor Casper

Walker asked that flags across the state be flown at half-mast to honor Casper.

"Trevor was unwavering in his commitment to uphold his oath and to eliminate the threat, to protect others, even though it would mean putting his own life in danger," Walker said. "That is exactly what Trooper Casper was doing on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was doing what he was trained to do. He was eliminating the threat. He was showing what it means to protect and serve. He was doing what he was born to do. May God rest his soul."

Denise Held, President of the Wisconsin Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, handed out blue ribbons to attending officers.

"This is the ultimate worst case scenario for a family and for co-workers. It is utterly devastating to lose part of your heart," Held said. "Their lives are forever changed. They will never be the same people they were."

Casper, who was born in Sheboygan and grew up in Kiel, graduated from Lakeshore Technical College with a degree in criminal justice in May. While enrolled at the college, Casper was student government president and active in the color guard.

After graduating from LTC, Casper continued his education at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, where he graduated Dec. 19 and was assigned to the State Patrol post in Fond du Lac.

Signs in front of Kiel businesses showed messages of support for the family.

"I think it is important to show our support," Assembly District Representative Paul Tittl, R-Manitowoc, said. "We stand with each other and we will encourage each other, and will be supportive of those people obviously going through some deep sorrow."

Members of the Kiel community packed the gym to show support.

"I think it is such a tribute that all of these officers came from all over," Kiel resident Sherry Dawe said. "It warms my heart to see all the good."

On average, 120-160 officers are killed in the line of duty nationwide every year, according to Held.

"In Wisconsin, historically going back to the first known law enforcement officer, we have about 220 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty," Held said.

A memorial fund set up for the family at gofundme.com/TrooperCasper has raised close to $30,000 in donations. Kiel Police Chief Dave Funkhouser is handling the online donations to ensure all funds are delivered to the family.

Individuals also may donate to a fund — "Benefit for Wisconsin Trooper Trevor Casper" — by visiting branch locations of National Exchange Bank and Trust.

"I want everyone to, when they get a chance, hug a police officer and thank them to show appreciation for what they do day in and day out," Tittl said.

Casper is survived by his parents, Kevin and Deborah Casper, and two younger sisters, Lauren and Olivia Casper.

A private burial service will be held today, at the S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Kiel.

Phillip Bock: (920) 686-2966, pbock@htrnews.com, or @bockling on Twitter.