18-Year Veteran OHP Trooper Dies Of Sudden Heart Attack

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper died of a sudden illness at the age of 42 on Saturday.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Captain Rodrick "Pete" Norwood, an 18-year veteran of the OHP, had a sudden heart attack and died at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital Saturday.

Norwood graduated from Anadarko High School in 1989 and attended the University of Oklahoma where he played football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was also a member of the OU Letterman's Association.

Captain Norwood graduated from the 48th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy in 1995. He had various assignments which included Troop J Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma City Headquarters Public Information Office, Troop YC - H.E. Bailey Turnpike before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2005 out of the Public Information Office.

Captain Norwood was promoted to Captain in 2007 and assigned to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, before being assigned as the Executive Officer then Troop Commander for Troop R - Capitol Section, in Oklahoma City.

At the time of his death, Captain Norwood was the Department of Public Safety's Legislative Liaison at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.

Captain Norwood leaves behind a wife, two sons, and a step daughter.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at the Anadarko High School Gymnasium, located at 407 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Anadarko. Public viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, at the LynLee Mae Chapel, located at 507 E. Main in Moore.