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Incident
Patrolman Frank Groeschner was killed when his police motorcycle was struck by a brewery truck at the intersection of 3rd and State Streets in La Crosse. Around noon, Patrolman Groeschner was traveling west on State Street when a truck traveling on Third Street turned onto State Street and hit him. He was dragged and pinned under the truck, fracturing his skull. He was transported to St. Francis Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries three hours later. The driver of the truck was not charged. Patrolman Groeschner had served with the La Crosse Police Department for nine years, assigned to the motorcycle squad. He was survived by his expectant wife, three brothers, and one sister. His son was born two months after his death, and he had served with the La Crosse County Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, three brothers, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Groeschner gave the LaCrosse Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the LaCrosse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Groeschner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
LaCrosse Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Frank is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
Frank is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 2 officers in WI were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1916, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1916, 62 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 86th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Frank was 37. Of the 101 lost to accidents in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 34. Frank had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Frank was 37. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Frank had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 37. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Frank had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 12.8% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Wednesdays: 13.6%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at LaCrosse Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
LaCrosse Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from LaCrosse Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
