Contact:
Tom Evenson
(608) 266-2839
Madison – Governor Scott Walker presented a wreath on behalf of the people of Wisconsin today at the 27th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, which took place at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial located on the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds.
“From Beloit to the Apostle Islands, from Ellsworth to Washington Island – law enforcement officers all throughout our great state risk their lives every day to protect us from harm,” Governor Walker said. “We owe all of our law enforcement officers sincere thanks every day for their selfless service. Today, however, we offer special, heartfelt thanks to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our safety by laying down their lives in the line of duty. We honor them, and keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
The names of Traffic Officer Charles William Gudgell, Public Safety Officer Michael Josua Ventura, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Thomas Glaze, Jr. were added to the Memorial today.
Traffic Officer Charles Gudgell was directing traffic when he was struck by an automobile and fatally injured on August 22, 1916.
Public Safety Officer Michael Ventura died in the line of duty on July 8, 2016, following a tragic automobile accident. He joined the Salem Department of Public Safety in 2016 following his graduation from Gateway Technical Law Enforcement Academy.
Deputy Sheriff Dan Glaze, Jr. was shot and killed in the line of duty after responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle on October 29, 2016. He had served as a law enforcement officer for ten years.
The Memorial site outside the State Capitol now lists the names of 273 fallen Wisconsin law enforcement officers.
