May 16, 2026 – By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA, Wis. – On Tuesday, May 12, under a warm sunny sky, law enforcement officers families and local residents gathered to remember those who died in the line of duty and to recognize the daily sacrifices of those still wearing the badge.
The annual Vernon County Police Memorial Service traced its roots to a national observance established more than sixty years ago and wrapped those national traditions in local names faces and stories.
Chaplain Don Ehler opened the service by reminding the crowd that the event is part of a nationwide week of remembrance first set aside during the Kennedy administration in 1962. He framed the afternoon around a simple three word theme that has been adopted across the country this year respect honor and remember.
Ehler said the words are meant to guide how communities see their law enforcement officers and those who support them.
“Respect those who take leadership and responsibility,” said Chaplain Don Ehler. “Honor those who are willing to give time and talent to be a blessing, asking nothing in return, and most of all, remember, remember that God is good to us and His grace is with us at all times.”
He reminded the crowd that the need for law enforcement is not limited to big cities and that even small towns know the pain of losing an officer. He recalled the 1986 death of Deputy Sheriff Bobby Dixon who was killed in a traffic crash while on duty and pointed to a sobering national statistic that one officer now dies in the line of duty every fifty five hours.
Sheriff Roy Torgerson followed with remarks that tied the sacrifice of fallen officers to the future of the community. Gesturing toward a newborn in the crowd he said the purpose of law enforcement service is most visible in the youngest residents.
“That is why we are here,” said Sheriff Roy Torgerson. “We are there to protect, protect our community and serve our community.”
Torgerson thanked the men and women in law enforcement for defending freedoms and ensuring safety and security every day. He also paused to recognize retired Lieutenant Jason Croom who organized the memorial service for more than three decades before handing the role to Sergeant Jake Johnson.
The sheriff then read the Vernon County honor roll of fallen officers. The list included:
Deputy Sheriff Bobby W Dixon of the Vernon County Sheriffs Office killed August 8 1986.
Chief Michael G Cook of the Viola Police Department killed November 24 1976
Officer Curtis Sterry of the Viroqua Police Department and Cadet Frederick Thurene who died March 13 1953.
Torgerson also noted the states most recent fallen officer Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder who was shot while responding to a call in 2025.
The service then turned to scripture and prayer. Bonita Dorschied read Psalm 8 reflecting on the majesty of creation and the place of humanity in it stressing that people are crowned with glory and honor and entrusted with responsibility for the world around them.
She followed the reading with a prayer that focused on officers and their families.
“Heavenly Father, we do ask for your presence today as we remember and honor all those that have fallen in the line of duty,” said Bonita Dorschied. “May we never forget the sacrifice they made.”
Dorschied asked for special blessings upon the families of the fallen and prayed for hope peace and comfort as officers and first responders continue to protect the community.
The crowd then stood for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ehler followed by the national anthem sung by Noah Ketchum.
Phil Stittleburg introduced the main speaker Circuit Judge Timothy J Gaskell describing the event as one of remembrance and reflection and pointing to the judges long history in the local justice system. Gaskell served as Vernon County district attorney for twenty years before becoming a judge in 2023.
Gaskell said the day was about both remembrance and recognition. He honored those who had given their lives and then turned his attention to the men and women who continue to serve.
“Today we gather in remembrance, but also in recognition,” said Gaskell. “We remember those who gave everything in the line of duty.”
Speaking directly to current and retired officers standing nearby he described the quiet burdens of the job from missed holidays and late nights to the strain on families and the constant vigilance that never really fades.
“You carry the weight of this profession every day you put on the uniform,” said Gaskell. “You step into uncertainty, so others can feel safe.”
To show how that plays out on the ground Gaskell walked through a series of Vernon County cases and the officers who lived them. He described a long night in the town of Readstown when Sergeant Campbell, Deputy Skemp and now Detective Egge were dispatched to a man intent on forcing a deadly confrontation suicide by cop. When the suspect heard Detective Egge’s familiar voice he advanced toward the squad car that was the only cover available. The officers gave repeated commands and showed restraint while they waited for the Vernon County tactical unit to arrive and clear the house without loss of life.
He then recalled a welfare check near Bloomingdale handled by Officer Don Henry who approached alone knowing backup was miles away. As Henry arrived he saw the subject running toward a cabin with a long gun and heard him say You have done it now as he disappeared from view. Gaskell describe how Henry took cover behind a large tree until additional officers including Deputy Jacobson could get there. With Jacobson providing cover Henry and the others moved in and found the subject deceased a situation that had forced every bit of training and courage to the surface before they rounded the corner.
Gaskell pointed to a tense incident in north central Vernon County where officers learned that an armed man was inside a residence. Hopes that the suspect would surrender quietly faded and a team that included then Deputy Roy Torgerson made the decision to breach the home. Once inside they secured a known weapon only to have the suspect grab a nearby shotgun. Torgerson later said that by the grace of God he was able to wrestle the shotgun away a moment that has stayed with him in later years as sheriff when he sends others into danger.
The judge said danger also lives inside the jail where corrections officers and jailers confront fights unpredictable outbursts and serious mental health issues on a daily basis often with little public attention.
From there he moved to a 2008 case that began as a be on the lookout for a suspect vehicle tied to the kidnapping of a young woman. Hillsboro police spotted the vehicle and a high speed chase followed ending with a crash on a bridge and gunfire directed at officers. Deputy Frank arrived to find an officer down and sprinted toward him with a medical kit in one hand and his service weapon in the other focusing only on saving a colleague while shots continued to ring out nearby. A second deputy was hit before officers shot and arrested the suspects. Frank stayed on scene through the night and only later realized that the ordeal had unfolded on National Police Memorial Day.
Gaskell also revisited a prolonged standoff that began when a suspect fired a high powered rifle at Richland County officers and Vernon County units responded to assist. Investigator Bjerkos, Deputy Sutton, and Deputy Malphy were inside the La Crosse County Bearcat armored vehicle as it moved toward the scene. When they announced their presence the suspect opened fire again with rounds pounding the vehicle and damaging the windshield. Fearing the glass would fail the Bearcat retreated and regrouped while additional tactical teams and Bearcats from Monroe and Dane counties were called in along with a sniper team authorized to take a shot if one appeared. On a second approach the suspect again opened fire and threw an improvised explosive device from an upstairs window which detonated with a loud concussion. Officers eventually returned lethal fire and used gas before heavy smoke and flames poured from the second floor. The suspect climbed out a window and was directed toward the water where Bjerkos and Sutton kept him covered as they saw a sidearm holstered on his hip. The suspect tossed the weapon aside and was taken into custody.
Not every danger came from large scale events Gaskell said. In 2005 then Officer Sutton checked on a vehicle in a church parking lot in the early morning hours. After arresting one person on a warrant he told the remaining three he would be searching the car. One suspect tried to hide his movements in the back seat then grabbed a tan pack and bolted into a nearby cornfield. After taking the others into custody Sutton searched the vehicle and found two loaded firearms on the back floorboard a reminder of how quickly a routine contact can turn deadly.
He also reached back to a 1983 hostage situation in a cafe in Ontario. As officers worked to keep potential hostages safe Sergeant Banta faced a split second choice when the suspect emerged whether to shoot to kill or to try to wound. Banta signaled Investigator Cary who shot the suspect in the leg ending the standoff. Lives were lost that day but many others were saved.
“This is what defines law enforcement in our community, not just bravery, but sound judgment,” said Gaskell. “Not just strength, but self discipline, not just the willingness to act, but the wisdom to hold back when possible.”
He reminded the audience that for every name engraved on a memorial there are countless close calls where officers came perilously close to joining that list. He extended his remarks to the families of officers saying their uncertainty and late night worry are part of the calling of public service.
“For every name and grave on a memorial, there are countless close calls,” said Gaskell. “That reality should never be lost on us.”
Gaskell closed by urging the community to stand with law enforcement and to remember that every badge rests on the chest of a person willing to stand between danger and the rest of society.
“We commit to remembering behind every uniform is a human being doing a difficult and necessary job,” said Gaskell. “May we never take their service for granted.”
Chaplain Ehler returned to the podium to offer a final benediction drawn from a familiar blessing asking for peace and protection over those gathered and those who serve.
“May the Lord bless thee and keep thee,” said Ehler. “May the Lord lift his countenance upon thee and give thee his peace.”
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