Officer Down Memorial Page

I didn't know Trooper Clodfelter, but I do know many who did. I just wanted to say I've cried a thousand tears for the twin tragedies here and will truly always carry the sorrow for this hero and, equally, for his wife.

Anonymous
May 10, 2012

Bret was my brother-in-law for a short 33 days. This tragedy will forever be etched in my heart. Nothing I can do or say will ever fill our loss. We not only lost you, but also Rene', your lovely wife, our sister, daughter, step-mother, police officer and friend.

Those of us left behind have only our memories. All who knew you, or know your story, are better people because of you. Godspeed, Bret.

Debbie Forgey
Sister-In-Law
May 8, 2012

Many years ago as I was driving to Portland from Florida on Christmas break from school I was travelling far too fast on slippery roads in the wee hours of the morning. I made it partway through The Dalles before I saw the blue lights in my mirror. Pulling over I had an unfailingly polite and surprisingly friendly State Trooper at my window.

Fast forward several years. I was on my way from Portland to Wasco County, also travelling far too fast when I came to Lone Pine, as I passed the diner I saw a State Trooper sitting in the parking lot. I didn't bother to wait for him to pull out and simply pulled over. Once again I had an unfailingly polite and surprisingly friendly State Trooper at my window. I thought I recognized his name and said "Do you remember a stop in the middle of The Dalles many years ago?" That sparked a friendly reminiscence.

I still remember the day I heard the news of his death, I was shocked that something like that would happen to someone I actually "knew." I saw an officer with the name Clodfelter outside a Blazers game earlier this year. I asked if he was related to a State Trooper. He said "It was my dad." I desperately wanted to stop and talk and tell him what a fantastic person his father had been but couldn't. I hope he sees this.

Timothy Grant
April 6, 2012

I knew Bret when I was assigned as a narcotics Detective with OSP. I think about him all the time. He was a great guy and a respected trooper. RIP brother.

Dave Nafziger
Retired OSP
February 20, 2012

I have Bret's picture above my computer in the office where I work. It takes less than a second to glance at that picture which I do daily. Bret worked in the patrol office in The Dalles shortly after I left the department in the early 1980's. He was a gentle person and I believe he loved what he was doing. I pray that he won't be forgotten and that men and women who are in law enforcement today will enjoy their work and be careful.

Larry Noe
Former OSP Trooper
January 13, 2012

Bret Clodfelter's murderer was sentenced to life in the Oregon State Penitentiary. After serving a few years he was tranferred to a privately run prison in Denton, Texas. One day he escaped from the prison and made a run for the Mexican Border. An alert officer and his K-9 tracked the escapee and captured him a short distance from the Border. He was returned to prison to serve out his life sentence.

Bret was an excellent Trooper and his loss was felt by many. Sadly, his wife Rene' was also a victim in this terrible tragedy.

Robert Dent
Oregon State Police (Ret.)
Bend, Oregon
December 16, 2011

I worked with Bret in my early days at Fred Meyer... He was so proud when he left to join the police, He was a great guy..... I still remember hearing of his death, and it truly saddened my... I had no idea of his wife ending her life a year later, until now..... No matter how long ago this was, it still truly saddens me......

Dennis A Mattson
Former Coworker - Fred Meyer Inc
November 13, 2011

Trooper Clodfelter,

We approach yet another anniversary of your end of watch. I know your parents well and speak with them monthly; what wonderful and caring people they are. Surely you are a reflection of them. I share your story often and keep your memory alive. Thank you for your service and may God Bless your parents and your children. You are never forgotten.

Officer Hull
Ashland Police Dept.
September 16, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Jennifer and Brock, lI have always felt that the bullets that kill our loved ones don't just kill them, but a part of everyone who calls them beloved. Reading about your parents exemplifies that truth. I hold you and other family members in thought and prayer today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
September 30, 2009

My thoughts are with your loved ones and close friends on this day. So many lives were destroyed by your loss. Continue to keep watch over those that love you dearly and those still out on patrol guarding over the thin blue line. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
September 30, 2008

Bret worked with many of us at the Oregon State Police. He was an excellent officer and friend. His upbeat attitude, kindness, and smile were his trademarks. He was certainly a good man. God Bless his and Renee's memory.

Senior Trooper Robert Dent
Oregon State Police
September 14, 2008

Trooper Clodfelter,
Sir, I was a Law Enforcement street survival spanish class and the Instructor told us how you were murdered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
July 25, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
January 14, 2008

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA
November 25, 2007

I remember this day like it was yesterday. I had just graduated high school and wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. I rode with a couple of the senior troopers and met Brett more than once. He was a loving caring family man who would do anything for his community and family. I achieved the goal of being in law enforcement and Brett's great sacrifice will always be in the back of my mind.

God bless your children.

Rest in peace in your final end of duty call.

Bree Kilbourne (Zigler)
CCSO 5316

Deputy Kilbourne
Canyon Co SO, Caldwell Idaho
September 8, 2007

To the children and friends of Trooper Clodfelter, know that people are still reading his heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to you. All brave men and women who die in the line of duty are heroes.

Oregon Officer's Wife
May 22, 2007

What a terrible tragedy!

Rest in peace Trooper Clodfelter.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
January 5, 2007

May you and your wife sleep safe with Our Lord and may He Bless your children.

September 30, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, as well as the Family, Friends, Department and Community.

This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002. When he joined the other Angels in Blue.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officers and Those Who Love Them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon
May 22, 2005

Trooper Clodfelter, I came across a poem written by your father and came to your reflection page. I wanted to say that you are not forgotten and are a true hero. All this pain and suffering on the part of your family is because of one individual that did not respect life or others. I know the daily grief your Dad feels for you, God be with you and your family.

Robert Gordon, father of Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, IL
April 20, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

Trooper Clodfelter,

My prayers are with your family, for they have suffered a devastating blow, especially your children. God Bless You All. I hope you and your wife are Resting in Peace...GODSPEED Brother...

Officer
NC
August 22, 2004

Rest easy Blue Angel ... thank you for your service to the community.

Anonymous
January 4, 2004

I remember that heartbreaking day, a lifetime ago now. I was young then, and living North of you. I now live here, in Klamath, and I see your picture in the office now and then. I wonder what you would've been like. You look strikingly similar to my favorite Officer back home. I wonder if you were like him.

It breaks my heart to think of your story. And to realize that there will be more for as long as I live.

Thank you for your service.

Anonymous
November 29, 2003

God Bless Trooper Bret Clodfelter's Daughter and Son.

He will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Lyndell & Elizabeth Taylor (Murrieta,Ca.)
Parents of Deputy Sheriff
Morris Lyn Taylor (Roseburg, Oregon)
EOW 09-14-02

November 28, 2003