October 15, 2021

Allamakee County, Iowa – On Thursday, October 14, at 11:30 p.m., Trooper Ted Benda was assisting the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office with a call for service.  While responding, Trooper Benda was involved in a single vehicle crash on Highway 51 approximately 6 miles north of Postville.  He was airlifted to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he remains in critical condition.  

The accident remains under investigation.  We will provide updates as they become available.  

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes six divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.