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Incident
Patrolman David McKee drowned while attempting to rescue a teenage boy who had fallen into the Rock River from the North Western Railroad trestle in downtown Fort Atkinson. When Patrolman McKee arrived at the scene he stripped off his gunbelt, coat, and shoes as he ran to the river before jumping into the river and swimming out to the boy. He became exhausted while struggling with the panicking boy in the frigid water and they both went under the surface. The boy's body was recovered thirty minutes later and Patrolman McKee's body was found about two hours later. Patrolman McKee had served with the Fort Atkinson Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six sons, mother, brother, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn4xt51fm968ad43n08y- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 McKee gave the Fort Atkinson Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Atkinson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McKee.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
David is the only officer of Fort Atkinson Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
David is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
David is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 4 officers in WI were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1968, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1968, 117 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 38. Of the 101 lost to accidents in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 34. David had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
David was 38. 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. David had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 38. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. David had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 6.4% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Tuesdays: 14.4%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fort Atkinson Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 39.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Fort Atkinson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.