Wisconsin law enforcement mourn death of Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper

The Wisconsin State Patrol is mourning the death of 29-year-old Trooper Bradley Ritger, who died Friday, October 2, 2026, from injuries suffered in the line of duty.

Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit on September 21 when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn -Eau Claire County line.

As he moved to a position of cover, Ritger fell from the bridge onto the roadway below.

He received lifesaving treatment and critical medical care, but died from his injuries on Friday.

Ritger had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for nearly five years, primarily in the Northwest part of the state.

He was a member of the agency’s 67th Recruit Class and had earned certifications as a law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector.

Before joining the State Patrol, Ritger served nearly three years with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.