Randy K. Ingram

"The Gentleman Trooper of Juab County"

A Pillar of the Community

Trooper Randy Ingram was more than just a badge to the residents of Juab County; he was a fixture of the community and a veteran public servant. With 20 years of service under his belt, Randy was known for his calm demeanor, his professionalism, and his "golden heart."

Colleagues and locals alike described him as a "gentleman trooper." Even when issuing citations, Randy treated motorists with such respect that they often thanked him for his courtesy. He loved his job, he loved the people of Utah, and he served with a quiet dignity that set the standard for those around him.

In May of 1995, Trooper Ingram was posthumously honored as the Trooper of the Year, a testament to the impact he made during his two decades on the road.

End of Watch: October 5, 1994

On a clear October morning, Trooper Ingram was performing a routine traffic stop on Interstate 15, just south of Nephi. He had pulled over a van full of Boy Scouts and was sitting in his patrol car, writing a warning ticket.

A semi-truck driver, who had fallen asleep at the wheel, drifted off the roadway. The semi struck the rear of Trooper Ingram’s patrol car at freeway speeds, pushing the cruiser into the van ahead. Trooper Ingram was killed instantly.

The tragedy shook the entire state, highlighting the dangers troopers face every time they stop on the shoulder of a high-speed interstate.

An Act of Profound Grace

While the crash was a moment of terrible darkness, the response from Trooper Ingram’s family provided a beacon of light. In the court proceedings that followed, Randy’s widow, Carlene Ingram, stunned the courtroom with a request for mercy.

Rather than seeking jail time for the driver of the semi-truck, Carlene asked the judge to sentence him to community service. She specifically asked that he buy flowers for his own wife and spend time with his family, stating that sending him to jail would not bring her husband back.

This incredible act of forgiveness became a defining part of Randy’s legacy—proof that the values of compassion and family he held dear lived on through those who loved him most.

Never Forgotten

Trooper Randy K. Ingram was 42 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Carlene, and their two children, Deanna and Clint.

His memory serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by peace officers, and the enduring power of forgiveness. He remains a beloved figure in the history of the Utah Highway Patrol.

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