Bradley Ritger of the Wisconsin State Patrol died on Friday, October 2, after injuries he suffered when he fell from a bridge on September 21 during a traffic pursuit response in Dunn County. Governor Tony Evers said he will push an executive order to lower the U.S. and Wisconsin flags after funeral arrangements are made.
Bradley Ritger and Interstate 94
On September 21, Ritger was on Interstate 94 near the Eau Claire and Dunn County line when he responded to a traffic pursuit and deployed a tire deflation device. He ran for a position of cover and fell off the bridge onto a roadway.
Lifesaving efforts were given before he was transported to a hospital. The sequence left one question hanging over the incident: what specifically caused the fall while he was moving for cover?
Governor Tony Evers
On Saturday morning, Evers said, “Our hearts break for Trooper Ritger and his family.” He added, “He was already leading a life of public service and dedication to our state, and our state workers join his coworkers and colleagues, friends, and loved ones in mourning his passing.”
He also said, “This was a young life lost far too soon.” Evers said he planned to push an executive order to lower the U.S. and Wisconsin flags to honor Trooper Ritger when funeral arrangements have been made.
Trooper Ritger and
Before joining the Wisconsin State Patrol, Ritger worked for the Department of Corrections for three years. He served in the Northwest region of the State Patrol for nearly five years, primarily in Dunn County.
A Facebook post from the Wisconsin State Patrol called him a dedicated public servant and said he approached every situation with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. For the family, coworkers, colleagues, friends, and loved ones he leaves behind, the next step is the state response that follows the funeral arrangements.
