Never Forget: Fond du Lac Policeman William Christian Prinslow (End of Watch: November 19, 1898)
Our FDLPD Family takes time to reflect and remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer William C. Prinslow Badge #2 made on Saturday, November 19, 1898. The Fond du Lac Police Department will forever remember William’s service and sacrifice for our community.
On Friday, November 18, 1898, Officer Prinslow was walking to work in uniform, and unarmed, when three men attempted to rob a mail carrier and fired a shot at the victim. Prinslow, hearing the shot, went to investigate and ordered the men to stop. One of the men opened fire with a handgun, mortally wounding Prinslow. Prinslow was taken home where he died the following day.
Our FDLPD Family takes time to reflect and remember the ultimate sacrifice Officer Nick A. Klaske Badge #6 made on Tuesday, October 31, 1961. The Klaske family was forever changed on this day and the Fond du Lac Police Department will forever remember Nick’s service and sacrifice for our community. (End Of Watch 10/31/1961)
Officer Klaske was shot and killed after responding to a burglary call at a local gas station. When Officer Klaske arrived, he surprised three suspects in the act of robbery and engaged in a foot pursuit. During the foot pursuit one of the suspects suddenly turned and opened fire with a handgun striking Officer Klaske in the abdomen. Officer Klaske succumbed to his wounds two days later. Officer Klaske served with the Fond du Lac Police Department for 11 years at that time.
Never Forget: Fond du Lac Police Officer Craig A. Birkholz Badge #67 (End of Watch: March 20, 2011)
The spirit of Officer Craig A. Birkholz is and will always be strong with the FDLPD Family. We will never forget!
Stay Strong
Stay Safe
Stay Positive
On the morning hours of Sunday, March 20, 2011, Officer Craig Birkholz laid down his life as he rushed to the aid of his fellow Officers. Officer Birkholz knew that Officers were being shot at and at least one Officer was down. Officer Birkholz responded because he had taken an oath to serve and protect our community.
Officer Birkholz knew that he was rushing into a very dangerous situation, but he responded anyway. As Officer Birkholz arrived the suspect opened fire from the second floor of a home striking Officer Birkholz.
Officer Birkholz had served with the Fond du Lac Police Department for two years and had previously served combat tours of duty with the United States Army in Iraq and Afghanistan where he obtained the rank of Sergeant.
Joe our entire FDLPD Family misses you. The impact you made on all of us was meaningful, genuine, and will live on forever. Officer Kurer died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. (End Of Watch 09/22/2021)
Officer Kurer Badge #26 was sworn-in as a FDLPD Officer on August 6, 2018. Joe was a dedicated and valued member of our FDLPD Family. Joe was a member of the Tactical Field Force Team, Honor Guard Unit, Domestic Violence Intervention Team, and was certified as a Field Training Officer.
Officer Kurer was also an Aviation Operations Noncommissioned Officer (Sergeant) with the United States Army, Wisconsin National Guard. Prior to joining the FDLPD Joe was a CSO with the City of West Bend PD.
Officer Kurer was awarded a FDLPD Life Saving Award, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Sergeants Association NCO of the Year as a Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer in the Civil Air Patrol, and Sister Michaela O’Brien Award while attending St. Mary’s Springs High School.