Chief of Police Thomas Elroy Buntrock, Mequon Police Department, Wisconsin

Chief of Police Thomas Elroy Buntrock

Mequon Police Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Sunday, December 2, 1979

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Thomas Elroy Buntrock

Chief of Police Thomas Buntrock was accidentally shot and killed by another officer following an armed robbery and hostage situation.

The robbery suspect fled into a home where he took a man and infant child hostage. Chief Buntrock was able to negotiate the release of the hostages in exchange for taking the Chief hostage.

The suspect and Chief Buntrock moved to an automobile with Chief Buntrock in the driver's seat and the suspect in the rear seat. The vehicle remained in the same place, and as it became dark out, Chief Buntrock lunged into the rear seat and was able to subdue the suspect and disarm him.

As Chief Buntrock emerged from the vehicle, one of the officers mistook him for the suspect and opened fire, fatally wounding him.

The hostage taker and robbery suspect was out on bail and had not returned to his court-ordered halfway house, where he was to stay until he was sentenced for robbery and injuring police officers, was also shot and killed.

Chief Buntrock had served with the Mequon Police Department for 19 years. He was survived by his wife and four sons.

Chief Buntrock was a graduate of the 100th Session of the FBI National Academy.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 19 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

FBI National Academy, mistaken identity

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Most Recent Reflection

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Forty-five years ago today, Chief Buntrock heroically and selflessly answered the call, sacrificing himself to save me and my father and in doing so leaving a giant gaping hole in the hearts of the many he left behind. His bravery and heroism reflect his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others, even with faced with the greatest cost of all. I am completely humbled to have been the recipient of such a sacrifice and continue to reflect on the impact his family, friends, fellow officers, and community felt and continue to feel after his loss. I have done my best to honor his memory by serving people in a different way – through practicing medicine and trying to improve the lives of patients. Though it never feels like enough to make up for his ultimate sacrifice, I will continue to do my best to serve in the ways I can as long as I can. Thank you to Chief Buntrock and his incredible family for teaching us the true meaning of sacrifice and love. - Becky

Becky
n/a

December 2, 2024