Prev
Incident
Sheriff Lester was shot and killed after being ambushed by a Indian. He was paddling down a river in a canoe when the suspect opened fire from an ambush position behind a tree. The suspect was apprehended a few days later and charged with murder. It was determined that he intended to rob Sheriff Lester. Charges against the suspect were dismissed seven months later when the only witness did not show up for the trial. A few days later the suspects body was found. His throat had been cut from ear to ear.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpjg66y6qranns66d26v- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
182 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Lester served with the Crawford County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Prairie du Chien community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Crawford County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1844, 1 officer in WI was killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1844, 6 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1844, 11 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 177th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
March holds 10.1% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Thursdays: 7.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Crawford County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 6.9% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Crawford County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.