FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, March 25, 2016

Contact: Tony Mangan, Department of Public Safety, 773-6196

Highway Patrol Trooper Nominated For National Award

PIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper has been nominated for a national award for his efforts in saving two people.

Trooper James Tedder, who is stationed in Webster, is one of four finalists for the 2015 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)/Motorola Trooper of the Year which will be presented Friday, April 1, in Washington, D.C. Trooper Tedder had previously been named as the association’s Mountain Pacific Regional Winner as selected by the IACP Division of State and Provincial Police members.

“This is a well deserving nomination,” says Col. Craig Price, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “To be only one of four officers chosen underscores the level of action taken by Trooper Tedder.”

The trooper is being honored for his role in an Oct. 15, 2015 vehicle pursuit that occurred six miles north of Roslyn. The vehicle traveled down a road that was under water and became submerged.

The two occupants, a male and a female, exited the vehicle and started to swim away.  Trooper Tedder followed the two along the shore line, commanding them to come to shore.

Eventually, the two became fatigued in the cold water. The female attempted to make her way toward shore.  The male went under water, resurfaced and started to call for help.

Trooper Tedder took off his duty belt and shoes and went into the water. He helped the female to shore; then made it out to the male and safely pulled him to shore. The two were eventually taken to a local hospital for treatment of hypothermia.

“This incident demonstrates what law enforcement officers do – enforce the law and protect the public,” says Col. Price. “Trooper Tedder did both. He made sure the two people, even as suspects, were also protected. It is an honor to see Trooper Tedder being recognized nationally for his actions.”

Trooper Tedder is a 10-year veteran of the Highway Patrol. On Dec. 18, 2015, Tedder received a life-saving award presented by the Highway Patrol.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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