Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In Honor And Respect Of A True Hero, Patrolman David McKee, Sr. Sir, You Are Honored And Remembered Today For Your Heroism And Bravery On April 9, 1968... Thank You For Your Dedicated Years Of Service To Your Community, Sir. To The Family Of Patrolman McKee, May Peace And Blessings Always Be With You... To His Sons, So Heartbreaking To Suffer The Loss Of A Parent At Any Age, But To Have Your DAD Taken Away When You Were So Young Is Even Harder... May Your Memories Of Your DAD Bring You Strength In Knowing He Was A Man Of Courage, Bravery And Greatness, "A True Hero"... May You Rest In Eternal Peace, Patrolman David McKee, Sr.

Gail Mercado

April 9, 2021

Mr. McKee was one of my baseball coaches for our American Legion Little League baseball team in the summers of 1957 and 1958 along with fellow policeman Gene Schroeder. We had great fun and won the league championship both years. They were great coaches and treated us like we were their own children.
I remember being in my senior year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison when I heard of the shocking news of his untimely death and its great loss to the Fort Atkinson community.
I have thought of him many times over the past 50 years with very fond memories. His extended family should be very proud of him and of the wonderful effects he had on his community.

Tony Ramsey, M.D.
Women’s Health Care Specialist, retired
Goodyear, AZ

Tony Ramsey, M.D.

July 17, 2018

Patrolman McKee,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fort Atkinson. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 9, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are a Hero.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 9, 2018

My condolences go out to the McKee family and the loss of a great man. I was only 6 at the time from what I have found out my father and his brother both attempted to save the lives of officer Mc Kee and the young boy by entering the water also. I would like to send a shout out to whoever pulled my father Frank and his brother Jerry out of the water. I think you saved their lives. Thank You...... Kenn Burghaus
This is so saddening and gives me another reason to be proud of my father for at least trying

Kenn Burghaus
concerned citizen

April 29, 2014

I second Kenn Burghaus in his reflection. According to my Father, Jerry Burghaus the water was so cold it caused almost instant cramping and it was next impossible to swim with someone struggling in your arms and having to make the painful decision to let go or die. I was not even born yet at the time of the incident, and am grateful I didn't lose my Dad that day. My condolences to the McKee family, Dave is a truly a hero. I am also grateful to those who pulled my Dad from the water. Truly all three men are heroes for selflessly giving of themselves and coming to the aid of another. It is just too bad that all four didn't go home that day to their families.

Wesley Burghaus
concerned citizen

April 29, 2014

My condolences go out to the McKee family and the loss of a great man. I was only 6 at the time from what I have found out my father and his brother both attempted to save the lives of officer Mc Kee and the young boy by entering the water also. I would like to send a shout out to whoever pulled my father Frank and his brother Jerry out of the water. I think you saved their lives. Thank You...... Kenn Burghaus
This is so saddening and gives me another reason to be proud of my father for at least trying

Kenn Burghaus
concerned citizen

April 25, 2014

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

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

February 24, 2014

david mckee was my father i was 3 years old when he went to be with god i miss him terribly and wish he was still here to talk to throgh my darkest days i love him with all my heart and soul i cherrish the day when i see him again.i love you dad.

james john mckee
last born son

September 6, 2013

You are thought of often and always with pride and respect by your sons,wife,grandchildren and comunity, I am sorry I was never able to know you, but am very lucky and honored to know your wife and sons and be a part of thier lives. I am the lucky wife of your oldest son, and know you would be so proud of your children and grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. R.I.P until we can meet again.

Susan Mckee
Married to David mcKee Jr

November 13, 2012

On The Front Of The Memorial In Fort Atkinson Near The River Where He Died. The Following Is Writen: Officer Down:On A Cold & Overcast Day.April,9 1968. Police Officer David McKee Dove Into The Rock River To Resque A Teenage Boy Who Had Fallen In The River From The Railroad Bridge.Neither Of Them Made It Out Alive. Officer McKee Left Behind His Wife And Six Sons. His Oldest Son 16. The Same Age As The Boy He Tried So Valiantly Tried To Save.

On The Bach Of The Memorial:
Found In A Worn Clipping From His Wallet


I'am Of The Opinion That My Life Belongs To The Whole Community And So Long As I Live,It Is My Privilege To Do For It Whatever I Can. I Want To Be Thoroughly Used Up When I Die, For The Harder I Work The More I Live. I Recjoice In Life For It's Own Sake.Life Is "No Brief Candle" For Men. It Is A Sort Of Splendid Torch That I Have Got A Hold Of For A Moment And I Want It To Burn As Brightly As Possible Before Handing It On To Future Generations.!!!
"George Bernard Shaw"

Vern Zech
Fort Atkinson: Friend Of Family And The Person He Tried To Save

November 13, 2012

As a young man and witness to the events of that tragic day. Your Dad inspired me in both life and death to choose the path that I followed. Like so many men and women who put themselves in harms way, so that others may enjoy the fruits of life.
His honor and courage will live forever in my memory.

Sincerly
Captain Michael J Gang
Retired/Janesville Fire Department

Capt Michael J Gang
Janesville Fire Department

November 13, 2012

Thank You For Trying To Save My Childhood Friend.
Vern Zech

Vern Zech
Fort Atkinson: Friend Of Family And The Person He Tried To Save

November 13, 2012

You were, and always will be, a true hero.
You acted selfless in the face of danger, and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rest In Peace, Brother.

Police Officer RGK
Milwaukee Police Department

August 4, 2012

A Hero is honored today, RIP Sir

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

April 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. I thank your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. I thank your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 9, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now

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

February 27, 2012

Many years have past since this hero was laid to rest. You have not been forgotten and I thank you for your dedication to others. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 9, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 9, 2010

You are a true hero and were obviously an unselfish man. You are an inspiration to all that decide to put on the uniform.

Brother in Blue (ret)
Mt. Prospect PD (IL)

April 9, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 2008

It's been 40 long years, seems like forever that you've been gone, Mike was just 10 ten years old. Your sons and wife miss you very much and speak about you often with pride. You would be very proud of all your sons and their families.

Thank you for your unselfishness and courage that spring day in 1968. And thank you to all men and women in service jobs who are every day heroes! May God protect you.

Dave, though we didn't meet on earth I look forward to our meeting in heaven....

Much love,
Laura

Laura McKee
daughter-in-law, wife of Mike

April 11, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

It has been 40 years ago that grandpa has lost his life today. Although I have never had the chance to meet my grandfather, I am truly honored to say I am his granddaughter.
I will gladly share the story about how big of a hero Grandpa David was in a local community to his Great Grandchildren. I wish he was here to share stories with us and others, but all we have is a memory.
In honor of Grandpa we have a rock located in a local park. His Great Grandchildren will go there and play in his memory frequently. So even though Grandpa is not here in person he is in our hearts and we thank him for his brave duty as a police office and thank him for making a difference in life!!
Thanks Grandpa!!

Tiffany Buonincontro
Granddaughter

April 9, 2008