Critically wounded trooper's first assignment was Havre

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer, who was shot in the line of duty when he discovered a vehicle belonging to a suspect involved in a shooting at the Evaro Bar and Casino in Missoula, has close ties to the Hi-Line.

Palmer, who is currently in a Salt Lake City hospital where he remains in critical condition, had his first Highway Patrol assignment in Havre.

Palmer started with MHP in 2012.

State Department of Justice Deputy Communications Director Anastasia Burton said Palmer was "sworn in on Feb. 3, 2012, and completed his field training assignment before reporting to Havre. He assumed the Havre station April 8, 2012, and transferred to Missoula May 4, 2013."

"While stationed in Havre, Palmer was assigned the duties normally associated with being a trooper, such as patrolling Montana's highways to enforce federal, state and local traffic laws; apprehending criminals; and providing humanitarian aid to citizens," Burton said.

Burton also said a few of Palmer's fellow colleagues have established a GoFundMe account to raise money for expenses incurred by his family. People who want to help can visit https://www.gofundme.com/trooper-wade-palmer-expense-fund/.

A post Friday on the Havre Police Department Facebook page with Palmer's photo called for prayers for him and his loved ones and all who are involved in the shooting and their care.

"This is the face of a man who has a wife and two children," the post said. "This is the face of a man who straps on a vest every day he goes to work, because he knows the hazards of the profession he has chosen. This is the face of a man who has to rotate between day shift and night shift every three months. This is the face of a man who is in a fight right now as we prepare for the weekend festivities. This is the face of a man who needs our prayers."

Hill County Sheriff's Office posted information about Palmer's Havre position and links to stories and the GoFundMe account.

"He was a part of our community for many years and now needs our support more than ever," a Saturday post said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Palmer and his family during this difficult time."

Montana Highway Patrol Commander Col. Tom Butler said Palmer is still in critical condition but stable.

Palmer's wife, Lindsey, released a statement through Highway Patrol sharing her gratitude to the state of Montana and Utah for their support.

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Montana and Utah for all of their support, and to all of the caring people throughout the nation that have offered prayers and positive messages. To all of the brothers and sisters in blue, words cannot express the appreciation we have for all that you have done and for reaching out. We are holding strong and the continued aid is greatly appreciated. Knowing that our communities are coming together at our time of need is a great comfort. It gives us the ability to focus our attention on Wade and family which is the most important thing at this time. Hold the line. Stay strong."

Palmer received the Medal of Valor in 2014 after saving a woman who was thrown from her car after a Semitractor-trailer plowed into it because of slippery roads.  

Montana Highway Patrol announced that people who want to send cards or letters to Palmer and his family can mail them to Attn: Palmer Family, Montana Highway Patrol Headquarters, 2550 Prospect Ave., Helena, MT 59620.

The suspect, Jonathan Bertsch, 28, made his first court appearance Monday in Missoula County Justice Court. He is facing one count of deliberate homicide for an alleged shooting at a bar at the Wye west of Missoula, which resulted in the death of Shelley Hayes, and three counts of attempted deliberate homicide related to the shootings, incuding of Palmer near a bar in Evaro 10 miles out of Missoula. All charges are felonies.

Bertsch's bond was set at $2 million. The Missoula Department of Justice is investigating the shooting of Palmer, while the Missoula Police Department is investigating the shootings at the Wye.

Bertsch is accused of opening fire on a pickup Thursday night, killing one person and injuring two. About an hour later, Palmer was shot while investigating the earlier shooting.