La Crosse County honors fallen officers

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WKBT) -- Wednesday is Police Officers Memorial Day and this year the West Salem Police Department hosted the La Crosse County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

The holiday was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. It is meant to honor officers who died or became disabled while in the line of duty.  It also ensures that fallen officers are never forgotten.

The La Crosse County ceremony is held every year on the holiday to honor local fallen officers.

West Salem Police Captain Timothy O'Neill said Wednesday's ceremony is full of mixed emotions.

"I think it's a somber moment because we're talking about someone's sacrifice, but I would assume that every single one of those names would want to be remembered in a happy way, and so we'll bring their brothers and sisters together out here along with the community and celebrate them," said Captain O'Neill.

In the past 100 years five La Crosse County law enforcement officers have given their lives while in the line of duty.  Their names are listed below.

La Crosse Police Officer T.P. (Perry) Gates, EOW: September 8, 1900

La Crosse Police Officer Frank Groeshner, EOW: November 18, 1916

La Crosse Co. Sheriff's Deputy Hubert Staats, EOW: September 13, 1927

La Crosse Police Officer Joseph Donndelinger, EOW: December 10, 1937

La Crosse Co. Sheriff Roy Sampson, EOW: September 24, 1952

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