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Incident
Patrolman Theodore Gerischer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man during a period of unrest due to labor protests. Patrolman Gerischer encountered five men and began chasing one when the man ran away. Patrolman Gerischer fired a warning shot, causing the man to stop. When Patrolman Gerischer approached him the man shot him in the head with a revolver. The suspect was captured in Rock Island, Illinois, the next day. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison December 26, 1911. He was paroled in 1934. On February 1, 1935, he was sentenced to one to 14 years in Joilet Prison, Illinois, for the attempted murder of a Rock Island Policeman.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Gerischer served with the Muscatine Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Muscatine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gerischer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Muscatine Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Theodore is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Theodore is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Theodore 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 1911, 5 officers in IA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Theodore was 32. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Theodore was 32. 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.
Theodore was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Sundays: 10.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Muscatine Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Muscatine Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Theodore among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Muscatine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
