Highways dedicated to Patrolmen KIA
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 8 months AGO
Montana Highway Patrol commander Col. Mike Tooley and Gov. Brian Schweitzer uncover the signs memorializing the troopers. (Heidi Desch photo)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | October 22, 2009 11:00 PM
The families of three Montana Highway Patrol troopers killed on Flathead roads won't soon forget their loss. And neither will area drivers who will see newly dedicated signs reminding them of the officers' sacrifice.
Troopers David Graham, Evan Schneider and Mike Haynes died in head-on collisions between October 2007 and March 2009.
State officials, along with the troopers' families and friends, gathered Sept. 14 near Glacier Park International Airport to unveil the signs identifying three sections.
U.S. Highway 2 between Montana 206 and Hungry Horse is dedicated to Schneider, 29, who died in an August 2008 crash on U.S. 2 near Bad Rock Canyon. His patrol car was hit head-on by a pickup truck.
He had been following another vehicle when it sideswiped a half-ton pickup truck, which forced the pickup's driver to lose control, drive into the other lane of traffic and hit Schneider.
U.S. 2 between Reserve Drive to north of the airport honors Graham, 36, who died in October 2007 when a distracted driver of a pickup crossed the center turn lane and struck his car. The accident happened on U.S. 2 near Rose Crossing.
U.S. 93 between Somers and Cemetery Road is marked for Haynes, 28, who died from injuries after a March crash with a drunken driver. Haynes was headed southbound on U.S. 93 north of Somers when a car heading northbound in the southbound lanes struck his car head-on.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Montana Highway Patrol commander Col. Mike Tooley uncovered the signs during the ceremony.
"The highways are safe not just because of these three fallen," Schweitzer said, "but because of all of those troopers who protect our highways."
Tooley said that everyone's life has a story and the troopers lives ended in an unfortunate way.
"This is a story that needs to be told," he said. "We're thankful for their service."
U.S. 2 is already dedicated as the 163rd Infantry Regiment Heritage Highway. It recognizes the soliders who fought during World War II.
The memorial dedications overlap each other.
Seven Montana troopers have died while on duty since the Highway Patrol was established 74 years ago.
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish City Council set to approve draft budget
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to approve a $63.4 million preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.
Whitefish considers annexation for land on south entrance
Whitefish City Council on Monday will decide whether to annex about 18 acres of land on the south entrance of the city.
Senior Spotlight: Glacier High School student looks to use science to help others
Knowing she wanted to help others, there was a time when Anitha Ravipati considered pursuing a career as a medical doctor. But applying her science acumen during an internship last summer opened the possibility of assisting through research.