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Incident
Patrol Officer John Hetland, who was off duty, was shot and killed while intervening in an armed robbery at 9:40 pm.
He observed the robbery occurring outside of a bar at 1936 Lathrop Avenue and took immediate police action. The subject opened fire, fatally wounding him. The subject then fled the scene and remained at large until being captured 10 days later. The man was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Officer Hetland had served with the Racine Police Department for 24 years and was preparing for retirement.
Survivors
Survivors include two children and his parents.
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
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrol Officer Hetland gave the Racine Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Racine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Hetland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Racine Police Department has lost 13 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 2019, 3 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 2019, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2019, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 49. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38. John had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6.2 years.
John was 49. 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. John had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 11.9% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 23.1% of all 13 deaths at Racine Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.4% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Racine Police Department has 13 officers remembered here, John among them.
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John Harms
Nov 18, 1918
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Alvin B. Christensen
Jul 13, 1930
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Jacob A. Mauer
Apr 28, 1931
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Harry C. Breheim
Aug 26, 1933
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John H. Anderson
Mar 10, 1935
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Frank F. Lenzke
May 13, 1936
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Arthur E. Lindstrom
Feb 12, 1951
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Harold Worden
Aug 25, 1955
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Lester McEachern
May 5, 1956
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James J. Hantschel
May 15, 1963
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Fred W. Lenzke
Feb 14, 1967
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James R. Fine
Jan 11, 1974
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John David Hetland
Jun 17, 2019
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Racine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
