Roll of Honor
Incident
Undersheriff John Sealy was shot and killed in Hurley by a railroad employee who mistook him for a burglar.
It was just after midnight when Undersheriff Sealy and a companion were out looking for a burglar who had entered several homes. Seeing the light on in the office of the Wisconsin Railroad Depot, they went there to investigate. An employee, who had worked late, decided to sleep in the office instead of going home. As Undersheriff Sealy entered the employee shot him.
Undersheriff Sealy was survived by his wife and six children.
Survivors
Undersheriff Sealy was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-2089FDF3- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Undersheriff Sealy served with the Iron County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hurley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Sealy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Undersheriff John E. Sealy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 4 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John E. Sealy's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Sealy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Sealy is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Sealy was killed by gun; unknown type.