Beaver Dam Police Department

10/03/2026

Our hearts go out to Trooper Ritger and his friends and family. Rest in peace, sir.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

10/01/2026

🅿️🚗 Under the City's Winter Parking Ordinance, no vehicle may be parked on any street right-of-way in the City between 2:00 am to 6:00 am November 1, 2026, to April 1, 2027. For residents with no alternative but to park on the street or in a city parking lot, the Beaver Dam Police Department is selling permits for $25 for on-street parking and $120 for a stall in select city parking lots pending application approval. Applicants must demonstrate a need for additional parking.

Save time and apply via our city's website https://cityofbeaverdam-services.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/44522

Otherwise, permit applications are available at the police department or you may download via https://www.ci.beaverdam.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2652/Winter-Parking-Application-2026-2027?bidId=

09/26/2026

🥁HOMECOMING PARADE🥁

This afternoon, we celebrated our 2026 Homecoming Parade. We saw a great display of talent, creativity and our community coming together. We hope everyone had a good time 👍

Please have fun during the homecoming related activities this weekend and be safe!

09/20/2026

🐾 FOUND DOG 🐾

This dog was found in the 900 Block of Madison St. in Beaver Dam on Sunday 09/20/26 around 5:30 pm. Officers were unable to locate or identify the owner.

The dog was taken to the Dodge County Humane Society to ensure the dog is somewhere safe for now. If you are the owner, please contact the Dodge County Humane Society directly. Thanks!

09/15/2026

**UPDATE**

*The person of interest has been identified. Thank you for your assistance. Nothing further is needed at this time*

The Beaver Dam Police Department is looking for assistance to identify the male shown in the attached photos.

Officers are actively investigating a traffic related incident that occurred on 09/15/2026 at approximately 3:30 PM near Swan Park. After follow up was conducted, officers identified this male and the black SUV as a person/vehicle of interest. The SUV was believed to have a paper, temporary license plate in the rear window that could not be read. Officers are looking to contact this male.

If you have any related information, please contact officer M. Bublitz reference case -09828 at 920-887-4612 or [email protected]

09/11/2026

25 years later. We must always remember the sacrifices of those that lost their lives on this day. September 11th changed our nation forever and we can never forget how we felt on September 12th. Our nation stood in solidarity against those seeking to destroy it. Today, we are reminded that there is much more that unites us than divides us. Let's hope we carry that reminder each and every day.

08/14/2026

✅ COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES RESTORED

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that all communications services have been fully restored following today’s outage.
911, radio communications, and non-emergency telephone lines are all operational.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public while our communications and technical staff worked to resolve the issue.
Thank you to our staff for their quick response and efforts to restore these critical services.

08/12/2026

The Beaver Dam PD has identified and interviewed 3 individuals in connection with over 30 vehicles that were egged last night. They are cooperating and will be issued numerous citations.

If you witness any crime at any time or you have video that you think would be helpful to an investigation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open 24/7/365. While posting videos and pictures on community social media pages is great, it is helpful if you provide it directly to us as well.

If your car was egged overnight last night, please contact us to make a report.

Thank you.

08/12/2026

Thank you to all who attended National Night Out! It was a great success! It’s always great for us to meet those in the community. We look forward to next year!

07/30/2026

On Sunday, July 26th, 2026, at approximately 2:02am, City of Beaver Dam officers responded to the 100 block of Ryan Cantafio’s Way for a report of a large physical fight that was in progress.

Upon arrival, there was a large group of people still on the roadway actively attempting to fight one another. Officers located two male subjects that sustained substantial head injuries during the physical altercation that were transported by Beaver Dam EMS to the Marshfield Medical Center – Beaver Dam for treatment.

This is an on-going investigation and anyone with information pertaining to the incident is encouraged to contact the City of Beaver Dam Police Department at 920-887-4612.

The Beaver Dam Police Department would like to thank the Dodge County Sheriff's Office and the Beaver Dam Fire Department for their assistance.