The May 21 city council meeting is my favorite each year, as we get a chance to recognized members of the South Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments and citizens for their heroic acts. I will feature one story each day on my blog. Please thank these everyday heroes!
In the early morning hours of February 20, 2019, South Milwaukee Police Officer David Hoeppner was dispatched to a report of a one-car motor vehicle crash in the area of North Chicago and Elm Avenues. Upon his arrival, Officer Hoeppner encountered a single vehicle facing the wrong way and up on a snow bank, positioned directly against another unoccupied vehicle. Officer Hoeppner immediately went to assist another passerby in removing the unresponsive elderly driver who was in cardiac arrest.
Once the driver was extricated from the vehicle, Officer Hoeppner assisted in placing him on the sidewalk and immediately began assisting with CPR. Upon the arrival of the fire department, patient care was turned over to paramedics and it was learned the patient’s pulse had been restored. The patient was transported to St. Luke’s Medical Center where he remained on life support for several days, eventually succumbing to his cardiac event.
While the end result of the call was not ideal, the family was tremendously grateful for Officer Hoeppner’s actions as it gave them time to gather their family together to say their final good-byes and find closure in the death of their loved one. Officer Hoeppner’s unselfish actions that cold, winter morning on a snow-covered sidewalk between two snow banks demonstrates his commitment to serving the public and making a difference.
Chief Knitter was the “other passerby.” He was also honored. Well done, chief!
South Milwaukee Blog 