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Incident
Jailer John Kavajecz was killed in an automobile crash while riding in a patrol car with the sheriff. Another driver of a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and broadsided the patrol car at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 112, south of Ashland.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sons, and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Jailer Kavajecz gave the Bayfield County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Washburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Kavajecz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bayfield County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 4 officers in WI were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1968, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1968, 117 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 68. Of the 101 lost to accidents in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 34. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 68. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 68. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 6.4% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Thursdays: 20%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Bayfield County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 39.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Bayfield County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bayfield County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
