Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrol Officer John Hetland, who was off duty, was shot and killed while intervening in an armed robbery at 9:40 pm.
He observed the robbery occurring outside of a bar at 1936 Lathrop Avenue and took immediate police action. The subject opened fire, fatally wounding him. The subject then fled the scene and remained at large until being captured 10 days later. The man was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Officer Hetland had served with the Racine Police Department for 24 years and was preparing for retirement.
Survivors
Survivors include two children and his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-D8E22A05- 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
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrol Officer Hetland gave the Racine Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Racine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Hetland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer John David Hetland 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 Racine Police Department, 3 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 23.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John David Hetland's cause is highlighted.
How John David Hetland Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John David Hetland is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John David Hetland was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Racine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
