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Incident
Sheriff Larson was killed in an automobile accident while on duty. Sheriff Larson died of injuries sustained when his squad car collided head-on with a semi tractor-trailer. Investigating officers believe that he may have suffered a heart attack. Sheriff Larson had been with the Barron County Sheriff's Department for 21 years, after serving with the Rice Lake Police Department.
Survivors
Sheriff Larson was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
21 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Larson gave the Barron County Sheriff's Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Barron community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Larson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Barron County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Wally is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
Wally is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wally 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 1987, 5 officers in WI were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1987, 76 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1987, 95 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Wally was 55. Of the 101 lost to accidents in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 34. Wally had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Wally was 55. 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. Wally had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wally was 55. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Wally had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 5.6% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Wednesdays: 13.6%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Barron 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
Barron County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Wally among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Barron County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
