Fort Atkinson Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Tuesday, April 9, 1968
Add to My HeroesDavid 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsIn Honor And Respect Of A True Hero, Patrolman David McKee, Sr. Sir, You Are Honored And Remembered Today For Your Heroism And Bravery On April 9, 1968... Thank You For Your Dedicated Years Of Service To Your Community, Sir. To The Family Of Patrolman McKee, May Peace And Blessings Always Be With You... To His Sons, So Heartbreaking To Suffer The Loss Of A Parent At Any Age, But To Have Your DAD Taken Away When You Were So Young Is Even Harder... May Your Memories Of Your DAD Bring You Strength In Knowing He Was A Man Of Courage, Bravery And Greatness, "A True Hero"... May You Rest In Eternal Peace, Patrolman David McKee, Sr.
Gail Mercado
April 9, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024