Patrolman David A. McKee, Sr., Fort Atkinson Police Department, Wisconsin

Patrolman David A. McKee, Sr.

Fort Atkinson Police Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Tuesday, April 9, 1968

David A. McKee, Sr.

Patrolman David McKee drowned while attempting to rescue a teenage boy who had fallen into the Rock River from the North Western Railroad trestle in downtown Fort Atkinson.

When Patrolman McKee arrived at the scene he stripped off his gunbelt, coat, and shoes as he ran to the river before jumping into the river and swimming out to the boy. He became exhausted while struggling with the panicking boy in the frigid water and they both went under the surface.

The boy's body was recovered thirty minutes later and Patrolman McKee's body was found about two hours later.

Patrolman McKee had served with the Fort Atkinson Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, six sons, mother, brother, and three sisters.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 14 years
Badge 3

Incident Details

Cause Drowned

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mr. McKee was one of my baseball coaches for our American Legion Little League baseball team in the summers of 1957 and 1958 along with fellow policeman Gene Schroeder. We had great fun and won the league championship both years. They were great coaches and treated us like we were their own children.
I remember being in my senior year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison when I heard of the shocking news of his untimely death and its great loss to the Fort Atkinson community.
I have thought of him many times over the past 50 years with very fond memories. His extended family should be very proud of him and of the wonderful effects he had on his community.

Tony Ramsey, M.D.
Women’s Health Care Specialist, retired
Goodyear, AZ

Tony Ramsey, M.D.

July 17, 2018