Although no formal ceremony was held, a wreath from Blooming Wishes in Merrill was placed at the memorial to Captain Elmer Krueger to mark Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week which coincides with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 of each year.
Captain Krueger was just 40 years old when he was shot outside of the Lincoln County Jail in 1952 while escorting a prisoner he had just taken into custody. Captain Krueger had served on the Merrill Police Department for 13 years and left behind a wife and two small children.
Captain Krueger’s name is inscribed not only on the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Madison but the Wall of Honor at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC as well.
“We remember the sacrifice of Captain Krueger along with Tomahawk Patrol Officer Carl Nystrom and all law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” a spokesperson for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department said.