Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.

05/15/2026

Today, May 15, 2026, is National Peace Officer's Memorial Day. Every day we should honor and remember our fallen but today in particular please take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the last several days there have been memorial ceremonies held across our nation, in correlation to National Police Week 2026.

This past Friday, May 8, on a beautiful sunny day in Madison the Wisconsin Law-Enforcement Memorial held the 36th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds.

During the ceremony 295th name was officially added to the Memorial. On June 26, 2025, Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder and his partner responded to a domestic violence call involving a weapon. Upon arrival in the area of N. 24th Place and W. Garfield Avenue the suspect who was hiding in some bushes, ambushed, and shot both officers. Officer Corder succumbed to his injuries on June 29, 2025. Officer Corder's partner recovered from his wounds. Officer Corder was survived by his father, grandmother, and two siblings. Officer Corder's name is engraved in Panel V of the Memorial.

May we never forget Officer Corder and the 294 other officers engraved on the memorial wall.

05/10/2026

Today marks the official beginning of National Police Week, which will continue through Saturday, May 16. Throughout the nation, communities will hold ceremonies to recognize the dedicated individuals who currently safeguard our neighborhoods and, most importantly, to remember and pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Today is also Mother’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate the person who has guided, nurtured, and supported us throughout our lives. You are encouraged to take a moment to reach out to your mother or spend meaningful time with her. To those who lost their mother in the line of duty, please know that you are in our thoughts. We also extend our deepest respect to the mothers who have lost a child while they were serving others. To you, we offer our profound gratitude for raising a hero who gave their life in service to their community.

Wishing all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

05/08/2026

At approximately 5:41 AM this morning the Sunrise Memorial Guard Mount commenced. Honor Guard members from law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will stand guard at the Memorial until the start of today’s ceremony at noon. Thank you to the following agencies for participating: Wisconsin State Patrol, Two Rivers Police Department, Dane County Sheriff's Office, Madison Police Department, Fitchburg, Wisconsin - Police Department, Green Bay Police Department, Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, Rock County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

05/05/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2026

Contact Person:
Craig Kolbeck, Chairman
(608)846-9854

On Friday, May 8, 2026, the 36th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds in Madison, Wisconsin. This annual ceremony honors and remembers Wisconsin law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty and is held in conjunction with National Police Week.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as “National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day” and designated the week containing May 15 as National Police Week. National Police Week 2026 officially begins on Sunday, May 10, and concludes on Saturday, May 16.

A squad procession featuring officers from across Wisconsin will depart Olin Park at 11:15 AM and proceed to the State Capitol. Olin Park is located at 1156 Olin Turville Court, just off the STH 12/18 Beltline in Madison.

The 2026 Honor Roll will include one name being formally added to the Memorial, bringing the total number of names engraved to 295.

On June 26, 2025, Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a weapon. Upon arrival in the area of N. 24th Place and W. Garfield Avenue, the suspect—who was hiding in nearby bushes—ambushed and shot both officers. Officer Corder succumbed to his injuries on June 29, 2025. His partner survived. Officer Corder served with the Milwaukee Police Department for six years.

Speakers at this year’s ceremony will include Wisconsin Concerns of Police Survivors Representative - Wrightstown Police Chief Patrick Pajot, as well as retired Kiel Police Chief David Funkhouser. Musical performances will be provided by members of the Cudahy High School Band and Choir, along with the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums.

Beginning at sunrise, honor guard units from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Fitchburg Police Department, Green Bay Police Department, Madison Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Two Rivers Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin State Patrol will post guards at the Memorial. Similar to the military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, two law enforcement honor guard members will continuously encircle the Memorial starting at approximately 5:41 AM until the ceremony begins at noon.

Attendees are encouraged to park in the Capitol Square North Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street in Madison.

Additional information is available at www.wlem.com or on Facebook at Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.

In honor of those who have died dedicated to those who live and serve in memory of 283 fallen Wisconsin officers

01/01/2026

WLEM is wishing you a safe and healthy 2026, especially our law enforcement officers. In 2025, nationwide line of duty deaths remained under 100 which is great, but we all know 1 is too many. There was one Wisconsin line of duty death, with the death of Milwaukee Police Department Officer Kendall Corder. Happy New Year!

12/25/2025

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a very Happy Holidays! To all those protecting our communities during this holiday season we hope for your safe return after your shift and that you are able to spend time with your loved ones.

11/27/2025

The WLEM Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

10/03/2025

WLEM is sharing this again and notifying all of you that not one single media outlet reached out to follow up on the press release that numerous news outlets across Wisconsin were sent. Thank you to the many who agree with the WLEM Board of Directors on how this disgusting act was handled. WLEM Inc. will continue to honor and remember the ultimate sacrifice our fallen officers have made.

09/30/2025

Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Expresses Disappointment in Dane County District Attorney Office’s Handling of Recent Vandalism Case and Calls for Support of Bills to Protect Memorials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2025

Contact: Craig Kolbeck, Chair, Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (608) 846-9854

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial (WLEM Inc) Board of Directors expresses profound disappointment with the Dane County District Attorney’s Office’s handling of the June 14, 2025, vandalism incident at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial during the “No Kings” protest in Madison. The memorial, a sacred site honoring 294 fallen law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for Wisconsin communities, was defaced with black spray paint bearing hateful and inflammatory messages targeting law enforcement. The vandalism, committed by suspects Nathan Schilling and Catherine Thoemke, included derogatory phrases and symbols calling for violence against law enforcement intended to incite hostility and disrespected the memory of the honored officers. Out of respect for the survivors, The WLEM Board of Directors has chosen not to release photographs of the damage, recognizing the emotional toll such images could inflict on families and friends of the fallen.

Initially, the Dane County District Attorney’s Office charged the adult suspects and recognized WLEM Inc. as a victim in this case. However, on August 14, 2025, a representative from the office contacted WLEM Chairman Craig Kolbeck to discuss referring the case to the Community Restorative Court, a diversion program that WLEM Inc. believes is inappropriate given the severity and symbolic significance of the offense. After consulting with its Board, WLEM Inc. communicated its opposition to this referral on August 18, 2025. Despite this, the office had already referred the case to the restorative court, with the approval of the Department of Administration, which was designated the sole victim due to the memorial’s location on Capitol grounds. This decision, made in less than three business days, deprived WLEM Inc. of a meaningful opportunity to confer as guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution. In response, WLEM Inc. has filed a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Victim Review Board, to address the handling of this case. Notably, WLEM Inc. was granted victim status in prior vandalism cases prosecuted by the same office, raising concerns about inconsistent application of victim rights and lack of transparency in the process.

This incident marks the fourth vandalism of the memorial since 2017, underscoring a troubling pattern of disrespect. Previous incidents in 2017, 2020, and 2023 have caused significant financial costs for repairs and imposed a heavy emotional burden on survivors. None of the suspects arrested for the attacks have been held accountable for their action. All have been offered deferred prosecution or similar programs.

In response to these recurring attacks, WLEM Inc. urges the passage of Wisconsin Senate Bill 394 and its companion Assembly Bill 401. These bills would strengthen criminal penalties for damage or graffiti to historical and commemorative properties, offering enhanced protections for sites like the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial.

The WLEM Board of Directors calls on lawmakers, law enforcement organizations, and the public to support SB394 and AB401 to protect our shared heritage and ensure that acts of vandalism against memorials are met with appropriate consequences. WLEM Inc. remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the dignity of the memorial and supporting the families it represents.

About the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial:

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial, located on the grounds of the State Capitol in Madison, honors the memory of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1848. Engraved with the names of 294 fallen heroes, it serves as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice and a place of reflection for families, friends, and the public. For more information, visit www.wlem.com.

08/23/2025

Thursday was a beautiful day to hold the 28th Annual Sauk County Memorial Golf Outing at the beautiful Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac.

About 140 golfers took to the course starting at noon, in a best ball scramble format. Afterwards a terrific dinner was served, concluded by a large raffle drawing.

Numerous local businesses contribute money or raffle prizes for the event organized by the great folks at the Sauk County Sheriff's Office and the event is continually supported by Devil’s Head. WLEM board members as well as WI COPS volunteers were on helping out.

To date the annual event has raised over $400,000, with proceeds benefiting WI Concerns of Police Survivors (WI C.O.P.S.), WLEM, as well a new law enforcement memorial in Sauk County.

Of course it’s not possible without all the golfers attending year and year out. Well done everyone!