Families of the Fallen has selected the third hero to be honored in 2023 by our organization.
We are proud to announce the selection of Iowa State Trooper Ted Benda as the third new hero to be honored by our organization at the Guthrie River Ruckus Music Festival, in Guthrie Center Iowa.
Ted began his career in law enforcement is 2005 when he attended the DPS 31st Basic Academy. He was assigned to the Special Enforcement Operations Bureau with DCI. In 2016 Ted transferred to the Iowa State Patrol and was assigned to Post 8 out of Mason City. He later transferred to Post 10 out of Oelwein.
Ted was very much a family man who enjoyed the outdoors. He loved taking his daughters hunting and fishing with him and teaching them what they would need to know.
On October 14th, 2021 Trooper Benda was involved in a single vehicle accident while responding to assist the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office with a wanted subject. Trooper Benda succumbed to his injuries on October 20th, 2021. Ted left behind his wife, Holly, and 4 daugher’s Madilyn, Avery, Vivyan, and Sylvia. Sylvia was just 3 weeks old at the time Ted passed.
Even after his death Ted continued his public service by being an organ and tissue donor, where he will continue live on in the lives of his recipients.
Ted’s family will join the family of Army Sgt. Kampha Sourivong, fellow Trooper Jim Smith, and many other past honored hero families to be recognized and honored at the Guthrie River Ruckus Music Festival’s July 27 – 29, 2023.
Thank you for your sacrifice, Ted Benda. May God bless you and your family, and may you rest in peace.