Fort Atkinson police officers are wearing mourning bands on their uniforms today.
It was 53 years ago, on April 9, 1968, when Patrolman David McKee Sr. lost his life while attempting to rescue a 16-year-old boy who had fallen into the Rock River from the downtown railroad trestle hear his home.
Witnesses reported that at 9:28 a.m., McKee was dispatched to the scene. Removing his gunbelt, cap, coat and shoes while running to the river, he jumped in and swam to Keith Nielsen. The boy appeared to be in shock and panicked.
Meanwhile, brothers Frank and Gerald Burghaus, who had been looking at cars at a nearby dealership, heard the commotion and also jumped into the frigid water, which caused Frank immediate cramping.
The cold water and swift current began taking its toll on the officer, as well. The boy slipped from Gerald Burghaus and Officer McKee’s grasps and disappeared beneath the surface.
The would-be rescuers started swimming toward the riverbank. The brothers were pulled out by bystanders. McKee was behind them, but was so exhausted that he was unable to reach the life preservers tossed to him by his chief or, ultimately, the bank.
Nielsen body was recovered about 30 minutes later, and McKee’s, with two hours.
The officer was 38 years old. He left behind a wife and six young sons, ages 3-16.
In one split second, an ordinary Tuesday during Easter vacation turned entirely unordinary for two families and Fort Atkinson as a whole.
More than a half-century has passed, but to many in Fort Atkinson, April 9, 1968, lives on. For some, it is a momentary observance while passing the black granite memorial to McKee at the edge of Lorman Bicentennial Park, but for those who were there, it is a scene indelibly etched in their memory.
Either way, let us take a moment today to salute this law enforcement officer’s bravery, selflessness and dedication to the job and the community he served.
May his sacrifice, and that of all who have and will follow him, never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Officer McKee.
A memorial in Lorman Bicentennial Park dedicated to Patrolman David McKee and all those serving in Law enforcement. McKee died while trying to save a 16-year-old boy who had fallen into the Rock River April 9, 1968. He was the father of six boys, ages 3-16. The memorial is situated near a playground.
Chris Spangler photo.
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Peace. Rest in Peace. Please check your headline.
Whoops!! Thank you!
Although this event happened long before I moved to Fort Atkinson in 1980, a few years ago I came across the memorial for Officer McKee. It had an impact on me. In my past experiences, events that are momentous at the time fade away as people no longer know the people involved. This memorial helps keep the historic event and its people known.