Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Theodore Gerischer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a period of unrest due to labor protests. Patrolman Gerischer encountered five men and began chasing one when the man ran away. Patrolman Gerischer fired a warning shot, causing the man to stop. When Patrolman Gerischer approached him the man shot him in the head with a revolver. The suspect was captured in Rock Island, Illinois, the next day. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison December 26, 1911. He was paroled in 1934. On February 1, 1935, he was sentenced to one to 14 years in Joilet Prison, Illinois, for the attempted murder of a Rock Island Policeman.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IA-7A56F40D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Theodore. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Gerischer served with the Muscatine Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Muscatine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gerischer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Theodore E. Gerischer is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 57.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Muscatine Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Theodore E. Gerischer's cause is highlighted.
How Theodore E. Gerischer Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Theodore E. Gerischer is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Theodore E. Gerischer was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Muscatine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
