Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless you hero

Carson loveless

February 6, 2024

O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Intercessor for America’s Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

August 29, 2023

I applaud the service of Trooper Clodfelter and his outstanding service to citizens of Oregon. It sounds like he was an exceptional human being and great peace officer. I also thank his wife for her service as a deputy sheriff--it is unfortunate that she too became a victim of grief and depression that often comes from such tragic events. Trooper Clodfelter wasn't the only casualty of this vicious homicide. My agency lost 10 deputies through the years to suicide and 3 in the line of duty. Again, thanks for your sacrifice and service. We honor you and your wife.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 30, 2021

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 30, 2020

I was a reserve serving with the city of Talent. It made me sick to hear we lost a Trooper in Klamath Falls. I and several other officers from the valley attended his funeral. I met Brett’s dad several years later when I went into law enforcement full time. His dad was an awesome guy. Volunteering in wet labs to help officer learn how to spot impaired drivers. The community lost a great Trooper but, also lost his wife a year later. Very sad.

Melvin Ray
Detective (ret)
Klamath County Sheriffs Office

Detective (ret)
Klamath County Sheriffs Office

October 1, 2019

I was working in the Medford dispatch center the night this happened. We had not yet taken over dispatching for Klamath Falls, but it was in the works. We spoke to the guys often, and I spoke to Brett several times on the phone. When we heard the news, it was a kid time stood still. Of course we were all shocked and horrified and sick to the core. And then his poor wife....the burden she carried had to be huge. Brett's parents were a common site in our office and such wonderful, caring people. It's good to keep his memory alive.

Dina dispatcher
Oregon State Police Southern Command Center

September 27, 2019

I knew Bret as not only a friend but also as a Brother in law enforcement. That morning we got the news was a bad memory that has never went away. Now that I'm retired I often think about were Bret and I would be planning on fishing this weekend. I love you brother and I will always have you in my heart ! See you soon in heaven Trooper

Retired Police Captain
United States Military

May 4, 2019

I went to high school with Bret. I have not met a finer human being in all these years. I worked with Bret's wife at Mt Hood Meadows and knew his brother in law. His wife could not escape the grief. I will remember and pray for them always. He is a hero, and she is an example of the horrible effect the sacrifice these men make can have across an entire family.

Rob Yates
Fellow alumni James Madison High School

September 30, 2018

Thank you for your service!

Michelle Lawson

September 30, 2018

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

September 30, 2017

I worked with Bret as a young prosecutor and always enjoyed his smile and attitude, particularly if he was the one designated to hand deliver (yes, the old days) the weekend incident reports to my office where, of course, we told stories, lawyer jokes, laughed and drank bad coffee - as well as doing a little actual work, too - sorry, Bernie. He was a great man and Trooper and I will never forget him. I still to this day have his business card in my trinket box, as well as a gift he gave me when I moved on to another DA's office. I will never forget the tearful call that I got from S. Trooper F.H. telling me of his death, such a tragedy from all perspectives. To Bret's children, please know that your dad left an impression wherever he went and nearly a quarter century later, none of us have forgotten him - and never will.

Charles E. Belknap
Deputy Dist Atty/Dist. Atty (former)

June 3, 2016

Rest in peace Trooper Clodfelter. Your bravery and for how this led to your wife taking her life. One should never experience this kind of tragedy. Your courage has been appreciated.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 30, 2015

I knew Brett when he was the head order clerk for Fred Meyers in Rockwood. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met and his dream was to be serving people as an officer. Brett you will never be forgotten and I was extremely sad to know of his tragic death and the loss to your family and friends and our community.

Karen Irish Borrego
Friend and former co-worker

June 24, 2015

Officer Clodfelter.

I remembered you today, just wanted to share it.
You are forgotten.

I am not a Police Officer, just a citizen.

Steve Huckins

Steve Huckins
Just a citizen

June 18, 2015

Blessed are the peacemakers.

anonymous officer
Minneapolis Police Department

March 12, 2015

I receive postings on my Facebook page to remember the fallen. I just read with great sadness how Trooper Clodfelter lost his life. I realize this was a number of years ago. But speaking from experience, you NEVER forget. My heart goes out to his family.

Sandra Bierscheid (Shepherd)
Daughter of a fallen officer

September 30, 2013

RIP Trooper Clodfelter..........we learned a difficult lesson from your death.

Kimberley Luoto, CO, Retired
MCSO, Oregon

April 5, 2013

I didn't know Trooper Clodfelter, but I do know many who did. I just wanted to say I've cried a thousand tears for the twin tragedies here and will truly always carry the sorrow for this hero and, equally, for his wife.

Anonymous

May 10, 2012

Bret was my brother-in-law for a short 33 days. This tragedy will forever be etched in my heart. Nothing I can do or say will ever fill our loss. We not only lost you, but also Rene', your lovely wife, our sister, daughter, step-mother, police officer and friend.

Those of us left behind have only our memories. All who knew you, or know your story, are better people because of you. Godspeed, Bret.

Debbie Forgey
Sister-In-Law

May 8, 2012

Many years ago as I was driving to Portland from Florida on Christmas break from school I was travelling far too fast on slippery roads in the wee hours of the morning. I made it partway through The Dalles before I saw the blue lights in my mirror. Pulling over I had an unfailingly polite and surprisingly friendly State Trooper at my window.

Fast forward several years. I was on my way from Portland to Wasco County, also travelling far too fast when I came to Lone Pine, as I passed the diner I saw a State Trooper sitting in the parking lot. I didn't bother to wait for him to pull out and simply pulled over. Once again I had an unfailingly polite and surprisingly friendly State Trooper at my window. I thought I recognized his name and said "Do you remember a stop in the middle of The Dalles many years ago?" That sparked a friendly reminiscence.

I still remember the day I heard the news of his death, I was shocked that something like that would happen to someone I actually "knew." I saw an officer with the name Clodfelter outside a Blazers game earlier this year. I asked if he was related to a State Trooper. He said "It was my dad." I desperately wanted to stop and talk and tell him what a fantastic person his father had been but couldn't. I hope he sees this.

Timothy Grant

April 6, 2012

I knew Bret when I was assigned as a narcotics Detective with OSP. I think about him all the time. He was a great guy and a respected trooper. RIP brother.

Dave Nafziger
Retired OSP

February 20, 2012

I have Bret's picture above my computer in the office where I work. It takes less than a second to glance at that picture which I do daily. Bret worked in the patrol office in The Dalles shortly after I left the department in the early 1980's. He was a gentle person and I believe he loved what he was doing. I pray that he won't be forgotten and that men and women who are in law enforcement today will enjoy their work and be careful.

Larry Noe
Former OSP Trooper

January 13, 2012

Bret Clodfelter's murderer was sentenced to life in the Oregon State Penitentiary. After serving a few years he was tranferred to a privately run prison in Denton, Texas. One day he escaped from the prison and made a run for the Mexican Border. An alert officer and his K-9 tracked the escapee and captured him a short distance from the Border. He was returned to prison to serve out his life sentence.

Bret was an excellent Trooper and his loss was felt by many. Sadly, his wife Rene' was also a victim in this terrible tragedy.

Robert Dent
Oregon State Police (Ret.)
Bend, Oregon

December 16, 2011

I worked with Bret in my early days at Fred Meyer... He was so proud when he left to join the police, He was a great guy..... I still remember hearing of his death, and it truly saddened my... I had no idea of his wife ending her life a year later, until now..... No matter how long ago this was, it still truly saddens me......

Dennis A Mattson
Former Coworker - Fred Meyer Inc

November 13, 2011

Trooper Clodfelter,

We approach yet another anniversary of your end of watch. I know your parents well and speak with them monthly; what wonderful and caring people they are. Surely you are a reflection of them. I share your story often and keep your memory alive. Thank you for your service and may God Bless your parents and your children. You are never forgotten.

Officer Hull
Ashland Police Dept.

September 16, 2011