23 Years Ago: Waukesha Hero Gave Ultimate Sacrifice While Protecting Community

WAUKESHA, WI — It was 23 years ago Friday when Capt. Jim Lutz - a 29-year veteran of the Waukesha Police Department - started his work shift. He paid the ultimate sacrifice that day, after suffering in an exchange of gunfire with bank robbers.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's office posted online their remembrance, "Our prayers are with the Lutz family and our family at the City of Waukesha Police Department as we reflect on that day."

When Capt. Jim Lutz, 57, started his shift on April 28, 1994, those around him already knew he was a hero. He was brave in the face of danger, and he was a mentor to the younger officers in the Waukesha Police Department.

The 29-year law enforcement veteran didn’t make it home that day. He went to apprehend two bank robbers – James Oswald and his son, Ted Oswald. Paying the ultimate sacrifice, Lutz died after being shot while exchanging gunfire with the Oswalds.

The Oswalds fled the scene, drove to Pewaukee, took a person hostage and engaged in a shootout with law enforcement. As they were trying to flee police in Pewaukee, they crashed into a tree and were taken into custody. The bank robbers have since been sentenced to life in prison.

Capt. Lutz’s death left a lasting impact on the Waukesha Police Department and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Reviewing Lutz' murder, the police department developed policies and invested in equipment to help their officers be safer while responding to dangerous situations. Weapons were changed, and officers were given ballistic shields.

Capt. Lutz:
Age: 57

Tour: 29 years

Cause: Gunfire

Weapon: Rifle; Mini 14

Offender: Sentenced to life

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patch.com file photo