Update on Vandalism at DeLaittre Memorial Park
About two weeks ago someone vandalized the Trooper David DeLaittre Memorial Park in Three Forks. It didn't take long for word to spread about the vandalism and for the community to rally together.
Businesses, individuals, law enforcement families, friends and people they don’t even know, reached out and donated funds towards the reward and for surveillance equipment at the park. The park was originally offering a $100 reward for information that lead to the guilty party being caught. The reward has now grown to $2,000.
In response to all the generous donations the park stated on Facebook:
The support has been overwhelming and encouraging. . . We can’t thank you all enough for the outpouring of concern and support. Now, we hope to find the responsible party and hold them accountable.
The window of the Highway Patrol Car displayed at the park was broken and has been repaired, free of charge, thanks to Dahl Auto.
The vandalism took place sometime January 24th and the 25th at 1:30 p.m. They are asking if you know or saw anything to report it to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office at 582-2100.
The Trooper David DeLaittre Memorial Park honors Montana Trooper DeLaittre who was shot and killed in 2010 while conducting a vehicle stop on Lane Road, near the Three Forks Airport. Trooper DeLaittre was 23 years old and had served with the Montana Highway Patrol for two years.
When the incident was posted on social media the community rallied together offering to contribute to the reward and some stated:
- "I’ll match that $100" - Tom
- "I’ll donate for security cameras as well!" - Patrick
- "You guys are ALL so amazing. Seeing the outpouring and support is overwhelming. I can’t even tell you all how much you all touched Denny’s heart tonight!" - Michelle
- "I’ll throw in another $100. Where do I send it?" - Wyatt