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Biography
Lt. Congers achievements are far too numerous to list. He worked with children, tried to keep prescription drugs off the streets and created “lunch with a cop” at the local school. “During his career he received 2 community service awards and 3 Commander’s commendations. In December of 2009, he was awarded accolades by then Governor Doyle for his work in creating the legislation that required traveling sales companies to be licensed in his State. The drug drop box earned regional acclaim, as Partners in Prevention in Rock County awarded the Milton PD a “Community Champion Award” in the spring of 2010 for his work. In 2012 the Safe Exchange program earned statewide recognition from the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association (WCPA) as an innovative program award winner. He witnessed the darker side of law enforcement. The horrific events that he carried in his soul. Law enforcement is an emotionally and physically dangerous job where officers continuously face the effects of sudden deaths, violence, rape, child abuse, accidents and tragic disasters. This profession exacts a heavy toll on police officers as well as their families. When these men and women feel the pressure, the fatigue, the deep sadness, they do not seek help, as they view themselves AS the help. Law enforcement officers live in a culture where emotional responses are stigmatized and officers learn to ‘suck it up’. John lived and breathed being a police officer. It was his life goal. From the day his children were born their lives were intertwined with the police department. Visits to the office, community activities and fellow officers like family, were an almost daily part of their lives. Those relationships were severed the day their dad died. The stigma of his suicide will follow his family forever.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
Officer John Conger served with the Milton Police Department.
Thank you for your service. We will always remember your sacrifice.
You belong on this wall. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Suicide
John is the only officer of Milton Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 4 officers lost to suicide in WI, 1.3% of the 318 remembered there.
John is one of 190 officers lost to suicide in the United States, 0.7% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 256 officers lost to suicide worldwide, 0.8% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 7 officers in the United States were lost to suicide, the 10th heaviest of 31 years on record. The heaviest was 2019, with 25.
In 2013, 7 officers worldwide were lost to suicide, the 10th heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 2019, with 26.
Who
John was 43. Of the 146 lost to suicide in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 50; the middle age was 43.
John was 43. Of the 209 lost to suicide worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 48; the middle age was 42.
When
October holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States; June holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 17.4%.
October holds 9.4% of these deaths worldwide; May holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Suicide deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Milton Police Department.
Suicide deaths account for 1.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 5th most common cause.
Suicide deaths account for 0.7% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 5th most common cause.
Suicide deaths account for 0.8% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 6th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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