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Incident
Patrolman Perry Gates was shot and killed when he and his partner confronted three armed robbery suspects at the intersection of Third and King Streets. The suspects were wanted in Minnesota following a railroad boxcar robbery. The suspects opened fire, striking Patrolman Gates twice, and in the process, scaring the police horses away (along with the other officer who was still in the buggy). When the other officer was able to return to the scene, Patrolman Gates was dead. Patrolman Gates' killer was identified. He came close to being captured in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years later, but escaped and was never seen again. Patrolman Gates, who joined the La Crosse Police Department in 1897, was a widower (his wife drowned in 1898). He was raising his three children when he was killed.
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 Gates gave the LaCrosse Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the LaCrosse community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
LaCrosse Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
T. is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
T. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
T. 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 1900, 1 officer in WI was killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
T. was 37. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38. T. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6.2 years.
T. was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. T. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
T. was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. T. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.4% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Saturdays: 25.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at LaCrosse Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
LaCrosse Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, T. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from LaCrosse Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
