Patrolman Ralph Franklin Garthwaite, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa

Patrolman Ralph Franklin Garthwaite

Iowa State Patrol, Iowa

End of Watch Saturday, July 2, 1955

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Ralph Franklin Garthwaite

Patrolman Ralph Garthwaite was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Highway 30 two miles north of Woodbine.

The incident occurred on a bridge as Patrolman Garhwaite travelled northbound towards Dunlap, Iowa.

The subject, who refused to take a blood test, was charged with manslaughter. A jury found him innocent on November 30th, 1956.

Patrolman Garthwaite was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Iowa State Patrol for three years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 3 years
Badge 218
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Acquitted

Impaired Driver, vehicle crash

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Patrolman Garthwaite,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division in North Africa and Europe fighting the Germans and Italians during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 2, 2025