Trooper Gary Powless
Wisconsin State Patrol- State Trooper
End of Watch: Sunday May 18, 1980
Biographical Info
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Car Number: 517
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Sunday May 18, 1980
Recruit Class: WSPA Class of 1979
Assignment: Tomah
Trooper Gary Powless was killed when his cruiser was struck by a tractor trailer. He had just picked up the new cruiser and was heading home. A tractor trailer heading the opposite direction blew out a tire, crossed the median, and struck the patrol car. Trooper Powless succumbed to his injuries while emergency crews attempted to extricate him from the wreckage.
Trooper Powless had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for 1 year and was assigned to District 5. Gary was 31 years old when he was killed and is survived by his wife and two children. Trooper Powless is greatly missed by all member s of the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Trooper Gary Powless Memorial Links:
The corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for improvement of the conditions of those employed as Wisconsin Troopers, Inspectors and Police Communication Operators, including supervisors (first line supervisors through superintendent) and retirees, the development of a higher degree of efficiency in such occupation and foster activities which promote law enforcement and public safety and the good of the community.
