For decades, Utah Highway Patrol trooper Steve "Odie" Myer has been a familiar sight on Utah highways, especially on two wheels.

"My passion is motorcycles," he said. "I've been on the motor squad forever."

It's a job he has always loved — and one he almost never got to do again.

In February 2024, Myer was helping other law enforcement officers stop a fleeing driver when he fell nearly 60 feet from an overpass near I-80 and 7200 West in Salt Lake County.

He had been laying spike strips during the pursuit when he stepped backward and went over the edge.

The fall nearly killed him.

Myer suffered devastating injuries, including a shattered pelvis, hip and shoulder injuries, and severe damage to his heart when it was ripped from its cavity.

A Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter that was already involved in the pursuit quickly landed and flew him to a hospital.

Doctors later said that decision likely saved his life.

"There was a lot of damage. I've had nine total surgeries. Next month will be 10. They've kind of put me back together," said Myer.

Myer was already back to work just 10 months after his fall, but he was part-time and his duties were limited to a desk.

For someone who has spent much of his life on the highway, it wasn't quite the same.

"My goal from day one was to get through it and through the therapy and just try to do it," said Myer.

Now, two and a half years after the accident, that goal has become reality. Myer is back working full-time, patrolling Utah's highways out of UHP's Tooele headquarters.

He also recently completed the training necessary to become recertified to ride a UHP motorcycle.

However, he found getting back on a motorcycle after so many injuries wasn't so easy.

"Getting on and off of a motorcycle is a little bit more challenging," he said with a laugh. "I have to get on and off a different way than I used to."

It's one of several adjustments he's had to make.

"The first time I put the uniform on, it took me about an hour and a half to figure out. I'm nervous. I'm sweating. I look in the mirror a thousand times to make sure everything is in the right spot."

Myer admits he was a little nervous to go back to patrol, but he was also very excited.

"I feel a lot better," he said. "Aches and pains are a little bit more prominent, but it's all good. I love it."

He also has another surgery scheduled to address a rib issue that makes wearing his protective vest uncomfortable. That procedure is expected to keep him off work for another couple of months.

Still, he said the opportunity to return to active patrol has been worth the effort.

"Just being able to be back and being an actual police officer again, it's just been great, really," he said.

Although Myer has returned to the career he loves, he admits life isn't quite the same as it was before the accident.

"I don't know that things are going to be normal because every little thing I do, I look back on and say, 'This used to be different before,'" he said.

Some of those changes have been physical. Others have been emotional.

Myer said his recovery has also included working through the trauma of returning to the overpass where he nearly lost his life.

At the recommendation of his mental health therapist, he and his wife visited the location together.

"That's been a process getting through," he said.

He now drives past the overpass nearly every day for work.

While seeing the location has become easier, he said certain structures and heights remain things he continues to work through.

Myer also knows how fortunate he is to have survived.

He recalled hearing about a Wisconsin state trooper who suffered a similar fall last month while deploying spike strips but did not survive.

"Things could have been worse," said Myer. "I'm so thankful for the way that things worked out."

He remains especially grateful to the helicopter crew that rushed him to the hospital.

"Those guys are a miracle to me," he said.

Myer has spent much of his life in law enforcement. His son and son-in-law are also state troopers.

But nearly losing his life has changed the way he looks at his time away from work.

"My family is number one," he said. "I don't miss ballgames and concerts and dance recitals and stuff no more with my grandkids."

Now, those moments have a little more meaning.

"I'm glad to be here," he said. "I'm thankful to be here and to be able to spend time with my family. They're the number one now."

For a man who nearly lost everything, getting back to where he started has given him a whole new appreciation for where he's going.

And despite the surgeries, lingering pain and challenges still ahead, Myer has no plans to give up the work he loves.

"As long as I can do it, I'm going to continue doing it," he said with a smile.

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) commissioned seven new troopers at the 84th Montana Highway Patrol Advanced Academy graduation ceremony today. For the first time, the graduation was held at MHP’s headquarters in Boulder. MHP Colonel Kurt Sager and Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court Bowen Greenwood addressed the new troopers prior to their swearing-in and badge pinning.

“Over the last 24 weeks, these seven troopers put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort as they prepared to take on their careers with the Patrol. They’ve earned the trust that comes with the badge and the responsibility that comes with it.” Attorney General Knudsen said. “It is my honor to officially welcome them to the ranks of the Montana Highway Patrol.” 

“Each of our new troopers has worked extremely hard to reach this milestone, and they are ready to serve communities across Montana. I am proud to welcome them to the Montana Highway Patrol and look forward to the positive impact they will make across the state.” MHP Colonel Kurt Sager said.

The troopers spent 12 weeks at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena and an additional 12 weeks at the MHP Advanced Academy in Boulder. After hundreds of hours of training, hard work, and dedication, the troopers are prepared to protect and serve Montanans.

Name                                       Initial Duty Station

Matthew Miller                         Forsyth

Brock Molenda                         Superior

Alec Olivier                               Glendive

Damon Sadler                          Wolf Point

Peter Sluder                              Big Timber

Lukas Verreth                           Livingston

David Walden                          Harlowtown

On Sept. 24, Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers.

Today’s graduation marked a significant milestone in THP history, as it was the 100th trooper class to graduate since the THP was established in 1929. The ceremony was held at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, with Gov. Lee serving as the keynote speaker.

“This group brings a wealth of experience including military service and academic achievements. I am proud to welcome them as the 100th trooper class since the Highway Patrol began in 1929,” said Commissioner Long. “Congratulations to each of these men and women who have earned the honor of being a Tennessee State Trooper.”

Troopers in Class 100 completed 17 weeks of intensive training from May 31 through Sept. 24. Class 100 includes four troopers with associate degrees, eight with bachelor’s degrees, one trooper with a master’s and a combined 37 years of prior military service.

"Addressing Tennessee Highway Patrol Class 100, Colonel Matt Perry highlighted the significance of the milestone class and reminded the new troopers of the responsibility that comes with the badge, stating, "Graduation is not the end of your preparation. It is the beginning of your service." He concluded by charging the new troopers to "Serve with humility. Protect with integrity."

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.