Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.

10/03/2026

WLEM is saddened by the news from the Wisconsin State Patrol and the passing of Trooper Ritger. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and all of the Wisconsin State Patrol. May he rest in peace.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

09/15/2026

Honoring Two Dedicated WLEM Leaders

On September 14, 2026, the WLEM Board of Directors held their annual meeting and the terms of two longtime directors came to an end.

Charles “Charlie” Berard was elected to the Board of Directors in 2009 and was elected Vice Chairman in 2015, a role he has held ever since. Charlie also helped with ceremony preparations for years before joining the WLEM Board. For many years, he arranged for the printing of the ceremony invitations and programs.

Brian Willison, an original board member, was instrumental in the creation of WLEM, Inc., as well as in the construction of the Memorial. Brian helped shape the organization into what it is today.

Brian planned and organized the first Memorial Ceremony, held in 1991 in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda. He was elected the organization’s first Chairman in 1990 and served in that role until 2009. He then served as Vice Chairman from 2009 until 2015 and as Treasurer from 2015 until 2024.

Charlie and Brian’s service to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial has been truly admirable and is deeply appreciated.

Thank you, gentlemen, for your many years of dedicated service!

08/27/2026

Board members are at the beautiful Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac, for the 29th annual Sauk County Law Enforcement Memorial Golf Outing. 132 golfer are out on the course today. To date over $416,000 has been raised at this golf outing. The money has been shared between WLEM and WI Concerns of Police Survivors (WI C.O.P.S.).

08/04/2026

A couple of the WLEM Board Members are on hand for the City of Peshtigo’s National Night Out (NNO). National Night Out is an evening where the community and police unite to stand up against crime. This nationwide event is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday in August.

The End of Watch exhibit here at Peshtigo’s NNO, was designed by Paul Lubahn and his wife Cheryl. Each of the 295 names engraved on the WLEM, are represented with a badge that includes the officer’s name and biography of their story. Nice work Paul and Cheryl in honoring our fallen officers.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸The WLEM Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Independence Day! Thank you to all those who made sacrifices to ensure our freedom for the last 250 years!🇺🇸

06/27/2026

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