Posted at: 08/31/2012 8:53 AM
Updated at: 08/31/2012 9:19 AM

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Minnesotans Asked To Remember Officers Killed On The Job

(ABC 6 NEWS) - On August 31st at 2:22 p.m., Corporal Theodore Foss was initiating a routine traffic stop on Interstate 90, one mile west of the Lewiston exit.

He had clocked a minivan, occupied by two adults and two children, at 82 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. As he was standing on the shoulder, a Federal Express semi collided with the squad and the minivan. Corporal Foss Was killed instantly.

The semi driver, John R. Tipka, 42, of Rochester was treated at the scene for minor injuries, and then taken to the hospital for a routine blood sample. Police also questioned him. The family in the minivan was also injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

The people inside the van were identified as Jennifer Harper, 24, John Benac, 29, Caitlyn Benac, 11 months, and Ashley Harper, 3, all of Romeoville, Illinois. The children were treated and released and the adults were listed in stable condition. 

The truck driver was later charged with eight misdemeanors including reckless and inattentive driving. He was found to be not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. 

Corporal Foss was 35 years old and was a 14-year veteran with the Minnesota State Patrol. He was the eighth trooper to die in the line of duty. He received two commendations in his career, one in 1993 for his professionalism at a fatal traffic accident, and again in 1994 for his performance during a bank robbery.

Foss is survived by his wife, Andrea, who was the deputy police chief of the Winona Police Department, and their two children, Mitchell, 5, and Hannah, 2.  His funeral was held on Wednesday, September 6th, 2000, at McGowan Gymnasium at the Winona State University. More than 1,100 officers attended.

At the burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, a final message was read over the state patrol radio. "Attention all units. SP27 will be 10-7. End of shift. Thirteen years, nine months, nine days."

Today, at 2:22pm, take a moment to remember Trp. Foss and all LEO's who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Minnesota, and this country, safe.