07-03-1928 to 07-05-1932

Officer Lawrence Metsker was hired on March 31, 1975.

On February 25, 1976 around 7:00 a.m., Officer Metsker was responding to a vehicle accident. Near the Little Manitowoc River on Waldo Blvd., Metsker lost control of his squad car, and collided with a tree. He died of injuries from the accident, laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery on February 28, 1976.

Officer Metsker was born August 22, 1947 at Oklahoma City, OK. After graduation from High School, Metsker joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving in Michigan and Wisconsin. On March 31, 1975, he resigned from the Coast Guard and was hired as a Manitowoc Patrol Officer.

Officer Lawrence Metsker

03-31-1975 to 02-25-1976

Officer Dale Robin TenHaken was hired on July 25, 1993.

On September 23, 1998, around 11:30 p.m., Officer TenHaken stopped a vehicle being operated by Jason Halda, near Johnston Dr. and Reed Ave. Inside the vehicle was Michael Watts and two female juveniles. Officer TenHaken was outside his squad car and was shot numerous times by Halda. Officer TenHaken later died from his injuries.

Halda and Watts were later captured just before 3:45 a.m. on September 24, in Sheboygan County after fleeing the Manitowoc area.

Both Halda and Watts were convicted and both are serving life sentences in Wisconsin Prisons.

Officer Dale R. TenHaken

07-25-1993 to 09-24-1998

Thursday May 15, 2008

A wreath is laid by MPPA President Erik Kowalski at the Manitowoc County Peace Officers Memorial Service.

Manitowoc County Law Enforcement agencies held a memorial service for the 7 officers who sacrificed their lives. We salute these fallen officers for their heroic efforts.

All fallen officers in the line of duty. . . Lest we forget.

Monday May 26, 2008

Manitowoc police officers march in the Manitowoc Memorial Day Parade.

The color guard included from left to right, Officer Rob Weyer, Officer Mark Schroeder, Officer John Bennett and Officer Lance Brux.

Manitowoc Police Department

"MTPD" Mission Guided-Trustworthy-Professional-Dedicated

Officer Fred Mueller was hired on July 3, 1928.

On June 11, 1932 around 2:30 a.m., Officer Mueller observed a suspicious vehicle parked near N 10th and York St. Mueller identified two brothers; Fred and Wendlin Walters. An altercation took place and Officer Mueller was shot in the left leg, by Wendlin Walters. Mueller died on July 5, 1932 from an infection caused by the bullet. Three operations were unsuccessful in saving his life.

The Walters brothers fled to the State of Kansas, and it took over two years to make their arrest. In April of 1934 they were convicted in Mueller's death.

Officer Fred Mueller