Utah Highway Patrol, Utah
End of Watch: Friday, February 11, 2000
Age: 58
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: 136
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: February 11, 2000
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Lieutenant Thomas Rettberg was killed when the OH-58 Bell helicopter he was piloting crashed during a routine maintenance flight.
The rotor blades seized up during the flight, causing the crash. The helicopter then landed on its side in a field. A mechanic onboard was also killed.
Lieutenant Rettberg was a U.S. Navy veteran. He had served with the Utah Highway Patrol for 25 years, and had been a pilot for 22 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a sister.