Patrolman Richard P. Ross
Colorado State Patrol
Colorado

End of Watch: Wednesday, July 10, 1974
Cause: Duty related illness

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Ross succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after his exhaust pipe was damaged. He had just completed investigating an accident on U.S. 287 near Hugo and backed up over a bent sign post. The impact punched a hole through the exhaust pipe. Realizing he damaged the cruiser he called for his supervisor and left the engine running while finishing his report. Two passing truck drivers found Patrolman Ross unconscious and called for assistance but Patrolman Ross had succumbed to the poisoning at the scene.

Patrolman Ross had been with the agency for 16 months.

 
Photograph: Patrolman Richard P. Ross

Patch image: Colorado State Patrol, Colorado

Visit Patrolman Ross's memorial at www.ODMP.org