By Tim Marsano
Idaho State Police
 |
| Former
Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Idaho
State Police Colonel Edwin D.
Strickfadden. |
The men and women of the Idaho State Police are
deeply saddened to learn that one of our former
directors and the "Father of the Contemporary
ISP," Colonel (Retired) Edwin D. Strickfaden,
passed away today. Strickfaden was a dedicated
public servant who served in the U.S. Air Force
prior to joining the State Police in 1967.
He served as a Trooper in various ranks
throughout our state and became our leader in
1999.
Soon after becoming director, he spearheaded the
effort to reorganize the former Idaho Department
of Law Enforcement to better serve the citizens
of Idaho. This culminated in an Idaho House of
Representatives bill, signed into law by former
Governor Dirk Kempthorne in 2000, which created
the Idaho State Police.
He retired December 31, 2002, following 35 years
of dedicated service to the people of Idaho.
Senator Mike Crapo thanked him for his service
by recognizing him from the U.S. Senate floor,
as documented in the January 29,
2003,Congressional Record.
"Our thoughts today are with Strickfaden's wife
Barbara and their entire family," said Idaho
State Police Director Colonel Ralph Powell.
"There is a void created today with his passing.
He was a champion for all law enforcement
throughout the state, not just ISP. He was a
charismatic leader who represented the people of
our great state and worked tirelessly to keep us
safe. Ed was a personal friend and a true mentor
in every sense of the word, and he will be truly
missed."
"Colonel Strickfaden was, without question, an
outstanding leader, a motivator, and a keen
strategic thinker guiding the outstanding men
and women of the Idaho State Police," Kempthorne
said. "He personified what any citizen would
hope to find in a law enforcement officer -p-
always bringing dignity and honor to the badge
he proudly wore. First and foremost, he was a
peace officer. God bless Colonel Ed Strickfaden." |
