Remembering Those Who Died and Why

May 06, 2009
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in America every 53 hours. On Friday, May 8th at noon, hundreds will gather on the capital square in Madison for the 19th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony. The mission of the memorial is to remember those who have died in the line of duty. When most people think of a law enforcement officer being killed in the line of duty, images of shoot-outs and violence come to mind. However, those incidents are rare in comparison to the most common way an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty. Driving a squad car, tending to a stranded motorists, or making a traffic stop are some of the most dangerous activities a cop can engage in during his/her shift. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), thus far in 2009, 46 officers have died in the line of duty. Of those 46, 25 were killed in traffic-related incidents. That statistic is up 25 percent from the previous year. The “Move Over Law” was enacted to prevent such deaths and injuries, not only of law enforcement, but all emergency responders. The law requires motorist to change lanes or slow down in order to provide a safety zone for a squad car, ambulance, fire truck, or any other vehicle parked on the side of the road with flashing warning lights. In an effort to bring attention to this law and the men and women who risk their lives everyday to keep our roads safe, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office will be increasing patrols and strictly enforcing the Move Over Law. The additional patrols will be out sporadically during the week of May 10-16, which is National Police Week. For more information on National Police Week and the Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, go to