Idaho State Police
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| Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne and Idaho State Police Colonel Edwin D. Strickfadden. |
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."