Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Saturday, December 28, 1974
Add to My HeroesMichael L. Draeger
Officer Michael Draeger succumbed to burns received one month earlier when his clothing caught fire following a vehicle accident.
He responded to an officer needs assistance call when his patrol wagon collided with another police car. He was able to free himself from the wreckage but his gasoline-soaked clothing caught fire.
He was transported to a burn center where he succumbed to his wounds one month later.
Officer Draeger had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 5
Incident Details
- Cause Fire
- Incident Date Monday, November 18, 1974
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsOfficer Draeger,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Milwaukee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
December 28, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025