Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was told this story as a young student at Wilson Elementary School, right down the road from the Mequon Police Department. That was 20 years ago, and I’ll never forget it. Chief Buntrock was a true hero.

Laine B.
Resident of Mequon

November 8, 2024

Rest in peace Chief of Police Buntrock.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2021

Chief Buntrock,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Mequon. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 2, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother. You are a Hero. Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 2, 2017

It was an honor to have had Chief Buntrock as one of my many instructors for the LESB Certification when I had worked in LE in the past. He was always seriously caring and an excellent instructor. It was truly a sad and humbling day for all. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chief Buntrock.

Special Deputy (at the time)
Washington County Sheriff's Department, West Bend Wi

April 26, 2016

I remember the day that Chief Buntrock lost his life . My dad worked as a patrolman for the Mpd. It was the saddest news and I have never seen my dad so upset as I did on that night. Chief Buntrock was a true Hero indeed. I still pray for the Buntrock family and all who were involved on that fateful night.

N/A Anonymous Anonomous
None

March 2, 2016

I remember the night Chief Buntrock sacrificed his life to save the lives of others. My father worked at the Mequon PD. And I remember when my dad got the call that the Chief was killed, I cried watching the story on the news and feeling so bad for the family and friends of Chief Buntrock and all the officers involved on that fateful night. A true hero indeed!

N/A Anonymous Anonomous
None

March 2, 2016

My Dad told me this story when I was a little boy. I am 38 years old now and have never forgotten this heroic act and terrible tragedy. Men like Buntrock are what made America what it is, the greatest country in the world.

Matt Corcoran
Life Mentee

December 3, 2015

never forgotten. hero's never die. never.

No Rank: Rob k.
none

May 16, 2014

You have passed on but not forgotten. I just started my career as a police chief and shocked to hear Chief Buntrock was killed, giving his life so others could live, I was told how great he was and was a true hero among the police chiefs, may god bless you and your family.

Retired Police Chief Gale Haas
lake Hallie P D

December 2, 2013

Reprented by Lawrence Fredericks family

April 18th 2013
Goodbye old friend
On the night of December 2nd 1979,Larry Frederick his friend and mine Bill Huegel helped rescue my two month old daughter Becky and I after we were abducted and taken hostage at gun point. That was the night brave Cheif Thomas Buntrock valiant ly gave up his life in the incident.

Bruce Frederick
Son

August 27, 2013

Chief Buntrock was killed on Dec.2 1979. In August 1980, I became the next Chief of Police in Mequon, Wisconsin. I will never forget the honer I have felt over these thirty two years; serving in his footsteps. God bless to his family and to all those who served and who sacrificed. We will always be Brothers and Sisters in Service. May the peace of the Lord be with All and especially with all who share a bond with this horrible night and this time and this place. Timothy Braaten

Timothy Braaten
former Chief of Police mequon Wisc.

July 12, 2012

Chief Buntrock your sacrifice to this community will always be remembered.

Deputy
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office - Honor Guard

March 27, 2012

RIP Sir, a hero you were.

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

February 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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.

This was an awful incident and your bravery was unparalled. I pray for the emotional healing of the other involved officers.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 2, 2011

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge - Proverbs 14:32.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 15, 2011

I was 10 years old and lived one neighborhood over in Mequon when Chief Buntrock saved that child and died in the line of duty. To this day, I am awed by the sacrifice he made and thank him for showing all of us just how far we can go to help one another.

Anonymous

November 5, 2010

At age 11 in 1979, I remember clearly the night this courageous man answered the call. I have never forgotten him or the deeply personal gifts of friendship, care and compassion he provided my family. God bless . . .

Proud Son of a Retired Mequon Officer

June 24, 2010

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

Wsiconsin L.E.O.

March 5, 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 are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 3, 2007

Chief, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 31, 2007

A true hero you are sir. What an honorable way to leave this Earth.

deputy Dave Bradford
Wake County Sheriff's Office, NC

December 2, 2006

Twenty six years ago today you died protecting the citizens of Mequon. Today we pause to remember.
Chief, your service to the citizens of Wisconsin is not forgotten.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

December 2, 2005

I just read the story in the Wisconsin State Journal today about how you died. What a true hero you are. You took the place of a 2 month old girl who was the hostage, and ended up giving your life. You are a hero.
Rest in peace my brother...

THE POLICEMAN'S LAST ROLL CALL ...

THE POLICEMAN STOOD AND FACED HIS GOD, WHICH MUST ALWAYS COME TO PASS. HE
HOPED HIS SHOES WERE SHINING, JUST AS BRIGHTLY AS HIS BRASS. "STEP FORWARD
NOW, POLICEMAN. HOW SHALL I DEAL WITH YOU? HAVE YOU ALWAYS TURNED THE OTHER
CHEEK? TO MY CHURCH HAVE YOU BEEN TRUE?"

THE POLICEMAN SQUARED his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a Saint. I've had to
work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been
violent because the streets are awfully tough. But I never took a penny that
wasn't mine to keep, though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just
got to steep. And I never passed a cry for help, though times I shook with
fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept many unmanly tears. I know I
don't deserve a place among the people here, they never wanted me around
except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me Lord, it needn't be so
grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod. As
the policeman waited quietly, for the judgement of his God. "Step forward
now, policeman, you've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's
streets, you've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Deputy
Dane County Sheriff's Office, WI