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Incident
Detective John Harms was killed when his vehicle was struck by a train while he was en route to conduct an investigation.
Around 3:45 p.m., Detective Harms was traveling on Hamilton Street when a train hit him. An investigation revealed that the crossing gates did not always function properly, and the attendant was not present to ensure they were lowered.
Detective Harms had served with the Racine Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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.
Detective Harms gave the Racine Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Racine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Harms.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Racine Police Department has lost 13 officers; 6 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 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 1 officer at Racine Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 1 officer in WI was lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1918, 39 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 108th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1918, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 45. Of the 5 lost to accidents at Racine Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 36; the middle age was 35. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
John was 45. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 45. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 16.7% of these deaths at Racine Police Department; August holds the most, 33.3%. Mondays: 16.7%.
November holds 12.8% of these deaths in WI; July holds the most, 16.8%. Mondays: 10.4%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 46.2% of all 13 deaths at Racine Police 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Racine Police Department has 13 officers remembered here, John among them.
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John Harms
Nov 18, 1918
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Alvin B. Christensen
Jul 13, 1930
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Jacob A. Mauer
Apr 28, 1931
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Harry C. Breheim
Aug 26, 1933
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John H. Anderson
Mar 10, 1935
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Frank F. Lenzke
May 13, 1936
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Arthur E. Lindstrom
Feb 12, 1951
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Harold Worden
Aug 25, 1955
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Lester McEachern
May 5, 1956
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James J. Hantschel
May 15, 1963
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Fred W. Lenzke
Feb 14, 1967
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James R. Fine
Jan 11, 1974
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John David Hetland
Jun 17, 2019
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Racine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
