Fallen trooper remembered as a 'hero'

LONGMONT – Governor Ritter joined co-workers, family and friends Friday morning in paying tribute to the life of a Colorado State Trooper.

"I was in the hospital room with Zach's family just hours before he died," Ritter told those who had gathered to remember 27-year-old Zachariah Templeton. "On behalf of the 4.6 million plus people in this state, we are sorry."

Templeton died October 12 from injuries he suffered the day before during a crash on Interstate 76 in Adams County.

Templeton and fellow Trooper Scott Hinshaw were helping a driver in the median of I-76 when a 17-year-old driver hit them.

Hinshaw remains hospitalized at Denver Health Medical Center, but he was able to attend Templeton's funeral Friday at Lifebridge Christian Church in Longmont.

Templeton grew up in Brighton. He played football for Brighton High. Four years ago, he became a trooper, and three years ago, he became a father to 3-year-old Samantha.

"Samantha, you were everything to your daddy," said Templeton's supervisor, Sgt. Wayne Sanderlin.

Levi Templeton says his brother was dedicated to his friends and family.

"He loved helping people, and he loved being needed," he said.

"We were drawn to him because he was funny, and everyone around him laughed," said Sanderlin. "We were drawn to him because he was loyal, no matter what."

Sanderlin also describes Templeton as being dependable.

"If he got to a crash first, he'd handle it, and if you beat him there, he'd help you handle it," Sanderlin said.

"My brother Zachariah Templeton is a hero, and should forever be remembered as a legend – may his name echo in our hearts forever," said Levi Templeton.

Charges have not been filed against the driver who hit Templeton and Hinshaw.

Templeton was the second Colorado State Trooper to die this month. Forty-nine-year-old Mark Dold was killed last Sunday when he lost control of his motorcycle north of Ridgeway. The State Patrol says Dold was wearing a helmet.