Sgt. Robert Wilson III

Officer Wilson is a tribute to fallen officer Sergeant Robert Wilson III. Artist David McShane designed a large-scale tribute to Sgt. Wilson, an eight-year veteran of the 22nd District who passed away in 2015 during an attempted robbery. In 2016, Sgt. Wilson was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Valor for sacrificing his life to protect innocent civilians.

Symbols included in the mural:
• Central portrait with background patterning worked around Sgt. Wilson’s uniform symbolizes how police are part of a community’s fabric
• Medal of Honor, Medal of Valor, Wilson’s Sergeant’s badge (the posthumous award) highlight his accomplishments
• Children playing basketball shows his involvement in the community and connects the mural with the playground across the street that will be named after him
• His police badge with insignia “22nd District”
• His patrol car (with “RPC-2222”-his number)
• An eagle with eaglets; under its outstretched wings is written “Protector of Community and Family” symbolizes the sacrifice he made for his community and family (his wife and two young sons)
• Millick St sign (where he grew up), Green Bay Packers (he was a fan) logo and hand wrench (he was a mechanic and loved fixing cars) represent his neighborhood connection and identity
• Smaller portrait of Wilson with outstretched hands and the words “Bring it in” (he was a hugger)
• Lion’s head represents his courage
• Laurel branches and dates of his birth represent his heroism
• The quote “Always on our Minds, Forever in Our Hearts” designate how beloved he was by his family, neighborhood, City and his police association.