Prev
Incident
Patrolman Fred Wachendorf was shot and killed after he and his partner asked a driver to move his vehicle in front of the City Restaurant on West Third Street. When the officers told the driver to move his vehicle which was parked the wrong way, the driver opened fire on the officers with a .45-caliber revolver. Both officers were struck, mortally wounding Patrolman Wachendorf and seriously wounding the other officer. Patrolman Wachendorf was able to return fire three times, striking the suspect once in his left leg before succumbing to his own wounds. The suspect, whose motive was a grudge he held against Patrolman Wachendorf for being appointed to the position of patrolman instead of him, was arrested about a half-hour later. On February 6, 1922, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 1937. Patrolman Wachendorf had served with the Rushville Police Department for only one month.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpt7xdkc9y2mh14m39b9- 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 Fred. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Wachendorf served with the Rushville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rushville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Wachendorf.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rushville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Fred is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Fred is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Fred 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 1922, 6 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Fred was 39. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Fred was 39. 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. Fred had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rushville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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
Rushville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Fred among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rushville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
