The Washington County Law Enforcement Officer Memorial ceremony, hosted this year by the Jackson Police Department and FOB Kettle Moraine Lodge #10, was held on Friday, May 15.

The event honored Washington County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as part of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Week events held. Guest speakers were Washington County District Attorney Barry Braatz and Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney.

Jackson Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil emceed the event, with an invocation by Chief (Ret.) Doug Larsson, Honor Guards with Germantown, Hartford and West Bend police departments and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, West Allis Patrolman Philip LaSpisa (Ret.) playing Taps, performances by the Living Word Lutheran High School band and choir; and the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums.

Following the ceremony, the Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial Committee announced plans for a permanent site for the Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial.

The Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial Campaign will raise funds to design, construct, and maintain a permanent memorial honoring Washington County law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This memorial will ensure that their courage, dedication and service are never forgotten. 

The memorial will be built on the southwest corner of the historic Washington County Courthouse Square, at the Tower Heritage Center. It will honor all law enforcement officers from every department within Washington County who lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial will serve as a place where families, fellow officers, and the public can gather to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of the fallen officers.

Memorial renderings by Washington County Director of Communications Fran McLaughlin.