Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Machajewski and Officer Charles Mehlberg were shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery call at a local bar. The officers observed a man run by them carrying a woman's bag, and they began to pursue him. The suspect set up an ambush and shot the officers as they neared him. The man was arrested by other responding officers. The suspect was convicted of both murders and sentenced to two life sentences plus 110 years. Officer Machajewski had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and preceded in death by his daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-BA4FBFB4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Police Officer Machajewski gave the Milwaukee Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Milwaukee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Machajewski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John A. Machajewski 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%.
At Milwaukee Police Department, 42 of 69 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John A. Machajewski's cause is highlighted.
How John A. Machajewski Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John A. Machajewski is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John A. Machajewski was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
68 officers from Milwaukee Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
