Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin
End of Watch Saturday, August 26, 1972
Add to My HeroesDonald C. "Pete" Pederson
Trooper Pete Pederson was shot and killed in an ambush by a 16-year-old boy while investigating an accident scene.
Trooper Pederson had been dispatched to an accident scene and, upon arrival, located a vehicle in a ditch. As he approached the vehicle, the boy, who was hiding at the front of the vehicle, opened fire and fatally wounded Trooper Pederson. The suspect fled but was later apprehended. It was determined that Trooper Pederson had issued the boy a citation earlier in the evening, but the boy refused to give a motive as to why he ambushed him.
The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 5 to 25 years at the Green Bay State Reformatory on December 1, 1972.
Trooper Pederson was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for six years, assigned to District 3. Before that, he had been a police officer in Rhinelander. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 343
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to 5 to 25 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsTrooper Pederson,
On today, the 51st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 26, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025