The city’s comeback cop

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Fred Landwersiek is a Vietnam veteran. As a patrolman for the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Fred was involved in a horrendous accident.

While responding to a domestic call, Fred’s patrol car collided with another patrol car.

PBPD Corp. Joel Dorr was the other driver. He was responding to the same call.

The situation was dire. Fred was unconscious and trapped in his vehicle. It took two hours to extricate him.

Fred had to be flown to a trauma center. After surgery, he remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit. His life was held in the balance.

Jump ahead three years. Fred Landwersiek was back on patrol with Sgt. Ed DeGaris. On his first hour back, Fred was responding to a call.

“My first love is the street,” Fred said. “I enjoy interacting with the public.” He was back on the street doing what he loved.

The Daily American Republic articles written by Michelle Friedrich and Julia Reinking are on display in the Police and Firefighter exhibit.

The museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sundays at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.