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Incident
Patrolman Herbert Dreger was killed by a shotgun blast when he was ambushed as he walked his beat. Two suspects were arrested a short time later. Patrolman Dreger had arrested one of them three weeks earlier for drunk driving. A month later both suspects were tried and acquitted. The suspect who Patrolman Dreger arrested for drunk driving died of natural causes in 1927.
Survivors
Patrolman Dreger was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Dreger served with the Madison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dreger.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Herbert is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 4 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
December holds 6.9% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Madison Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Madison Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Herbert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
