Heroes Of The Day: Celebrating The 2013 Police Award Winners

One of my favorite city council meetings each year is when we honor the South Milwaukee Police Department’s annual award winners. That meeting was Tuesday, during National Peace Officers Week.

Below are a couple of the winners’ stories. I’ll share others in the weeks ahead. They are all inspiring — reminders of the dangers our police officers face, and of the courage and selflessness ordinary citizens display in difficult situations, every day.

LIFE-SAVING COMMENDATION

Awarded to an officer whose action directly contributed to the saving or significant prolonging of human life.

Officer Hoeppner, Officer Hallett & Officer Rotter

Nominated by Officer Rotter/Lt. Walker

 On October 21, 2012 Officers Hoeppner, Hallett and Rotter responded to a house fire in the 700 block of Madison Avenue.  When officers arrived, flames were observed coming through the roof and the third story windows at the back of the residence.  The building had separate apartments on each floor.  Officers entered the burning building and went to the apartments and evacuated 7 people including a baby and two senior citizens prior to SMFD arriving on scene.  As a result of the officer’s actions no one was killed or injured and all residents were safely evacuated. 

MERIT AWARD

Awarded for excellent arrest by any officer directly involved in the capture and arrest of a felon who was endangering the lives and/or property of the community.

Officer Hoeppner, Officer Rotter, Officer Wentz & Officer Doering

Nominated by Lt. Chad Milow

On January 5, 2013 officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a residence in the 800 block of Lakeview Avenue.  These officers investigated the complaint and located the suspect vehicle.  After a traffic stop, in which two of the occupants fled on foot, three suspects were taken into custody and a weapon was located at the scene.  The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office charged the suspect with Robbery While Armed.  Without the officer’s quick actions this crime may have not been cleared by arrest.

Thanks to South Milwaukee Chief Ann Wellens for the providing the information.