Richard Robert Vandermate served in the U.S. Army.
Chief of Police Richard Vandermate was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call at a tavern on Main Street. He observed the suspect inside the tavern when he arrived and ordered him to surrender. The teenage suspect opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle and mortally wounded the chief. Chief Vandermate was able to crawl back to his patrol car and turned on the siren to get the attention of nearby citizens who took him to a local hospital. He succumbed to his wounds the following day. The subject was caught and convicted, but served less than 20 years. Chief Vandermate had served in law enforcement for 10 years.
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In tribute
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Vandermate gave the Oshkosh Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oshkosh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Vandermate.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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