Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 21, 1978
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 21, 1978
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Geszvain and Sergeant O'Brien were shot and killed when a prisoner gained control of Deputy Geszvain's service weapon. The officers were standing in court with the prisoner when the incident occurred. The suspect exchanged shots with another deputy on the first floor of the courthouse. Sergent O'Brien was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The suspect was apprehended after taking a hostage and forcing her to drive to Madison, Wisconsin. The man was sentenced to two counts of life without parole.
Deputy Geszvain had served 23 years with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.