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Incident
Officer Robert Bolton was shot and killed while attempting to question a man during a domestic disturbance. He had been called to a women's shelter where a married man was attempting to see his girlfriend. As Officer Bolton arrived, the man was attempting to enter his vehicle. Officer Bolton unsuccessfully attempted to stop him. The suspect was able to grab a .357 revolver from the vehicle and shoot him. Officer Bolton returned fire as the suspect fled. Office Bolton was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. After a short pursuit, the suspect was captured and convicted. He later died in prison. Officer Bolton had served with the Eau Claire Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Officer Bolton gave the Eau Claire Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eau Claire community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Bolton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Eau Claire Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 2 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 28. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6.2 years.
Robert was 28. 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. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.5% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Eau Claire Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.5% 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
Eau Claire Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Eau Claire Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
