Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin
End of Watch: Sunday, May 18, 1980
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 517
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: May 18, 1980
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Trooper 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. He was survived by his wife and two children.