Officer Frank Groeschner was sworn as a police officer in 1907 and eventually became an elite member of the motorcycle police squad, which had been in existence since 1910.

Officer Groeschner was on patrol on November 8, 1916 on his Police Motorcycle when he was struck by a Gund Brewery truck and killed instantly in the intersection of 3^rd and State Streets. The driver of the truck was not charged, and the incident would be regarded as a tragic traffic accident.

Officer Frank Groeschner did not die in a hail of bullets. He did not die performing a gallant act of heroism. Instead, he died doing what every cop does day in and day out. He was on routine patrol serving the City of La Crosse as a La Crosse Police Officer.

This story is based on extensive research completed by retired LCPD Lieutenant Daniel J. Marcou and summarized based on Lt. Dan's historical writings. The date of death was confirmed by an uncertified Death Certificate provided by the La Crosse County Register of Deeds.