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Incident
Patrolman Dale Mishler and Patrolman Jerry Green died as a result of injuries they suffered in an automobile crash during a vehicle pursuit. While on routine patrol, the officers began chasing a vehicle near 14th and Walnut Streets. At 1:25 am, on Ellettsville Road at Stout's Creek Hill, Patrolman Mishler lost control of their squad car, causing it to roll over as both officers were thrown from the vehicle. Patrolman Mishler died while en route to Bloomington Hospital. Patrolman Green remained in critical condition with a fractured skull and a severe injury to his left eye, leaving him partially blind. He was unable to return to active duty and received a disability pension. His health continued to decline, having never fully recovered from his injuries and from suffering two heart attacks. He died after being admitted to Bloomington Hospital for surgery on July 15, 1967. The suspect initially fled the scene but turned himself in later that day. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide, but those charges were dismissed. The driver was charged with driving while under the influence. Patrolman Mishler was a World War II veteran and served with the Bloomington Police Department for over 10 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, a brother, three sisters, and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Mishler served with the Bloomington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bloomington community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Dale W. Mishler served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bloomington Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Dale is one of 151 officers lost to accidents in IN, 30% of the 503 remembered there.
Dale is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Dale 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 1955, 3 officers in IN were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1942, with 4.
In 1955, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1955, 74 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Dale was 35. Of the 149 lost to accidents in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47; the middle age was 36. Dale had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 4.6 years.
Dale was 35. 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. Dale had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dale was 35. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Dale had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.3% of these deaths in IN; December holds the most, 11.3%. Fridays: 17.9%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Bloomington Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 503 deaths in IN, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 11.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Bloomington Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Dale among them.
Military Service
Dale W. Mishler served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Dale W. Mishler’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bloomington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
