Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.

At approximately 5:41 AM this morning the Sunrise Memorial Guard Mount commenced. Honor Guard members from law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will stand guard at the Memorial until the start of today’s ceremony at noon. Thank you to the following agencies for participating: Wisconsin State Patrol, Two Rivers Police Department, Dane County Sheriff's Office, Madison Police Department, Fitchburg, Wisconsin - Police Department, Green Bay Police Department, Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, Rock County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2026

Contact Person:
Craig Kolbeck, Chairman
(608)846-9854

On Friday, May 8, 2026, the 36th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds in Madison, Wisconsin. This annual ceremony honors and remembers Wisconsin law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty and is held in conjunction with National Police Week.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as “National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day” and designated the week containing May 15 as National Police Week. National Police Week 2026 officially begins on Sunday, May 10, and concludes on Saturday, May 16.

A squad procession featuring officers from across Wisconsin will depart Olin Park at 11:15 AM and proceed to the State Capitol. Olin Park is located at 1156 Olin Turville Court, just off the STH 12/18 Beltline in Madison.

The 2026 Honor Roll will include one name being formally added to the Memorial, bringing the total number of names engraved to 295.

On June 26, 2025, Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a weapon. Upon arrival in the area of N. 24th Place and W. Garfield Avenue, the suspect—who was hiding in nearby bushes—ambushed and shot both officers. Officer Corder succumbed to his injuries on June 29, 2025. His partner survived. Officer Corder served with the Milwaukee Police Department for six years.

Speakers at this year’s ceremony will include Wisconsin Concerns of Police Survivors Representative - Wrightstown Police Chief Patrick Pajot, as well as retired Kiel Police Chief David Funkhouser. Musical performances will be provided by members of the Cudahy High School Band and Choir, along with the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums.

Beginning at sunrise, honor guard units from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Fitchburg Police Department, Green Bay Police Department, Madison Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Two Rivers Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin State Patrol will post guards at the Memorial. Similar to the military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, two law enforcement honor guard members will continuously encircle the Memorial starting at approximately 5:41 AM until the ceremony begins at noon.

Attendees are encouraged to park in the Capitol Square North Garage, located at 218 E. Mifflin Street in Madison.

Additional information is available at www.wlem.com or on Facebook at Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.

Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial In honor of those who have died dedicated to those who live and serve in memory of 283 fallen Wisconsin officers