In the history of the La Crosse Police Department, some things appear never to change. All Officers deal with certain problems through the years. There never seems to be an end to domestic disputes, bar fights, burglaries, death investigations, traffic accidents, or robberies. People steal things and dogs bark too loud. We do not handle ambulance calls anymore, but we do manage to save a life or two and deliver a baby now and again.

Additionally, over the years, Officers have several things in common. All have been called upon to run toward the type of trouble that everyone else runs away from. All have had to do it on pay that will never make them rich. The types of stress experienced by Police Officers, according to experts, decreases their life expectancy compared to the general population by 12-14 years.

In the space available, there is no possible way to tell all the interesting tales. If any Police Officer chooses to tell, and anyone cares to listen, many interesting stories can be passed along. A Police Officer has learned from experience that truth is stranger than fiction.

There is also something that most Police Officers who make it through their careers happy and healthy have in common. Usually, standing by them, supporting them through the many ups and downs of the job, is a loving wife or husband and family. This history is dedicated to them as a thank you, because the job could not be done without them.

Written by Retired Sgt. Daniel Marcou