Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Heavenly Father, I pray for the families of all America’s Peace Officers who have been killed in the Line-of-Duty and I thank you for their sacrifices. Bless the lives of their families so they might find healing. Help their law enforcement departments and agencies support their families. Even though their deaths might have been senseless, make something good come out of these situations so that their departments, agencies and communities, counties, states or nation, the United States of America, in which they lived and worked, might be stronger because of their lives and their deaths. In Christ Jesus’ mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture Supporting Law Enforcement:

“So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the policeman does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he will have you punished. He is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:2-5 TLB]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Certified Independent Law Enforcement Chaplain
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

October 3, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 17, 2020

Rest in peace Officer O'Bradowich. Forever a hero of honor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 20, 2018

Knew Dennis went to graded school with, worked with him. Hero's never die and will always be remembered.

Robert Lutz
MPD

November 30, 2016

Milwaukee Police Officer Dennis O'Bradovich who was appointed to the department May 5, 1969 was shot and killed at approximately 1:00AM on August 18, 1975.

Officer Dennis O'Bradovich, who was off-duty was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend four armed suspects who robbing the Bryants Cocktail Lounge at 1579 South Ninth Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The four armed men entered the lounge and announced a hold-up. When Officer O'Braovich identified himself and attempted to take action, the four robbers exchanged gunfire with him. At least a dozen shots were exchanged between Officer O'Bradovich and the suspects.

Officer O'Bradovich was shot and he wounded one of the suspects. As the suspects fled they shot him several more times as he laid on the floor. The wounded suspect was arrested on the scene and the other suspects were arrested later.

All four suspects were convicted of first degree murder, armed robbery, and sentenced to life plus 60 years on February 11, 1976.

Officer O'Bradovich had been employed with the Milwaukee Police Department for a little over six years and was survived by his parents.

I remembered this shooting extremely well, and wrestled with this shooting for many years for many different reasons. I did not know Officer O'Bradovich; to the best of my knowledge I never met Officer O'Bradovich. I started my law enforcement career just 49 days before he was killed during this tragic incident. While not very often, because of a friend I knew, I used to drink in Bryants Cocktail Lounge before this incident {but had not been in it for a few years before}. A friend of mine did frequent that lounge and as far as I know may have been in there that night. But most disturbing to me and something I wrestled with and didn't understand and still don't understand is one of my police supervisors was in Bryants armed that morning {or night depending on how you look at it}; and did not do anything to try to help Officer O'Bradovich. Yes I understand the fear for his own life; but at the point lead was flying and he was at a different angle, he may have been able to take some of those hold up guys out with justifiably not even having to give away his position first, and maybe, just maybe Officer O'Bradovich may still be here with us.

Yes, having been personally involved in a fatal shootout, I know first hand how tense it is. And yes I was not there, I don't know what I would have done; and if I would have assisted {as I am sure I would have} maybe I would have been getting buried with Officer O'Bradovich, but just knowing a copper I knew and who was my boss was there and didn't do anything tore me up for years. I'll bet he never let the responding officers know he was on scene. But then again, that damn old rule of being on duty 24 hours a day back then cost us too many officers.

Kenneth W. Bohn, Chief of Police Retired
City of Franklin, WI Retired Chief of Police

July 11, 2014

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

December 8, 2013

I was assigned to Sqd. 15 Early with P.O. Obradovich. He was a very hard working officer and all ways had a smile on his face. He was well liked both by other police officers and the citizens who he protected. The city of Milwaukee lost a dedicated police officer the night he was gunned down. I hope that all four of the people are not allowed to walk freely until Police Officer Obradovice walks this earth once again.

Detected Herman Kremkau- Retired
Milwaukee, Wis. P.D.

January 31, 2013

Dennis and I worked together a few times. I will always remember him as a friendly, respectful street cop that had the admiration of his peers.
Dave Kane

Lieutenant of Detectives - Retired
Milwaukee WI PD

May 18, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 17, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 22, 2008

You did the right thing and you paid the ultimate price for it. You are a hero. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten...I promise.

Andrew Schuck
Cadet-NLVPD

August 19, 2006

Thirty years ago today and still remembered.
Rest in peace Dennis.

August 17, 2005

06/03/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Officer O'Bradovich.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

June 3, 2004

11-30-03, MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY BROTHER. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. A HERO NEVER IS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

November 30, 2003