Trooper Ralph George Zerda, Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Ralph George Zerda

Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, Texas

End of Watch Sunday, May 21, 1989

Ralph George Zerda

Trooper Zerda and Sergeant William Kuhnle were killed when a drunk truck driver crashed his tractor trailer into their parked patrol car. The officers were parked on the shoulder after stopping another drunk driver.

The drunk driver was sentenced to two concurrent 10 year sentences in prison, but was released after serving only 4 years.

Trooper Zerda had served with the agency for five years.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Sentenced to 10 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 19 Reflections

To my beloved cousin, I'm sitting here between gigs in Fredericksburg, Texas and thought about you constantly. I realized it was the anniversary of the day you walked through the door to heaven. Cousin, I miss you dearly and know that you have an impact on my life still. You loved loved music and I loved to hear you play your classical guitar. Say hello to your mom and dad and my mom and brother. I love you cousin. Miss you bunches.
Your cousin always, Jan

Jan
Cousin

May 21, 2016