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Incident
Patrolman Joseph Zentgraf was shot and killed as he and another man attempted to disarm two subjects who were firing guns into the air.
One of the men was shot and killed. The other man was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Patrolman Zentgraf had served with the Madison Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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 Zentgraf gave the Madison Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Zentgraf.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of Madison Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 7 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 37. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Madison Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-E
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