Fallen Officers Honored at Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

Wednesday was Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the City of Fond du Lac Police Department joined law enforcement agencies around the state and the country in honoring officers who have died in the line of duty over the years. Three city police officers and one State Patrol Trooper have been killed in Fond du Lac dating back to 1898. Officer William Prinslow, Officer Nick Klaske and Officer Craig Birkholz along with State Trooper Trevor Casper all paid the ultimate sacrifice while on duty in Fond du Lac, and all were honored at the memorial service.  

Members of the Klaske, Birkholz and Casper families were in attendance at the ceremony, and Fond du Lac Police Chief Bill Lamb told them their loved ones will never be forgotten. “To the Klaske, Birkholz and Casper families, we know there are no words of consolation for the tragic death of a family member,” Lamb said. “But I want to take this moment to assure you that the sacrifice made by each of those fallen heroes will always be remembered.” Lamb went on to add that “the commitment that William, Nick, Craig and Trevor had to serve and protect lives on in each of us, and it inspires and motivates us to keep fighting to protect our communities.”

158 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States in 2018, and more than 21,000 have been killed in total in the country. Lamb said its important to honor all officers that have been killed across the nation, and asked the community to share a gesture of support for your local law enforcement officers during National Police Week.