Celebrating Our Police And Citizen Heroes

Thank a police officer today … and those among us who help them do their jobs and make South Milwaukee a safer place to live.

The South Milwaukee Police Department and the City Council did just that Tuesday night, honoring a number of officers and citizens for their work saving lives and solving crimes.

It’s all a part of National Police Officers Week this week.

See a list of honorees, and their stories, here … and let’s all celebrate these everyday heroes. One example:

Mr. Joseph DeLong      

Officer Mick Olson recommended Mr. DeLong for a Citizen Recognition Award for his action on February 17, 2012.

On February 17, 2012 Mr. DeLong was working as a United States Postal Carrier in the City of South Milwaukee.  While on his route Mr. DeLong observed three days of accumulated mail at a residence.  He felt this was unusual and notified his supervisor who then contacted SMPD.  Officers responded to the residence, forced entry into the residence under the community care taker role and located an elderly home owner on the floor of the residence.  The owner had fallen three days earlier and was unable to get up.  Because of Mr. DeLong’s actions this individual was able to get help when he needed it the most. 

Although the Police Department has been called to residences by mail carriers in the past, this was the first time a resident was found in duress.  Mr. DeLong’s actions saved the resident’s life.