Sergeant Quin Edward O'Brien

Sergeant Quin Edward O'Brien | Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin
Sergeant Quin Edward O'Brien

Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Thursday, June 22, 1978

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Quin Edward O'Brien

Sergeant O'Brien and Deputy Michael Geszvain were shot and killed when a prisoner gained control of Deputy Geszvain's service weapon.

The officers were standing in court with the prisoner when the incident occurred. The suspect exchanged shots with another deputy on the first floor of the courthouse. Sergent O'Brien was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The suspect used an attorney as a shield to leave the courtroom. He was apprehended after taking a social worker hostage and forcing her to drive to Madison, Wisconsin. The man was sentenced to two counts of life in prison. He was up for parole in 2000, and it was denied for another 20 years.

Sergeant O'Brien was a United States Army and Marine veteran. He had served 24 years with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife and seven children.

Bio

  • Age 50
  • Tour 24 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, June 21, 1978
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

attending court, prisoner custody

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from the Law Enforcement Officer's Christian Standard Bible:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 CSB];

"Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 CSB];

"No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 CSB];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 CSB], and;

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43 CSB].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 22, 2025

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