Proving that heroes do live forever

Police honor their fallen and those who step up

By Ed Nadolski

Editor in Chief

The solemn sound of Taps and the spine-tightening report of a rifle salute rang out from the balcony of Veterans Terrace May 15 as members of the City of Burlington Police Department honored law enforcement officers who’ve died in the line of duty – including two of their own.

Members of the department, along with family and an assortment of local officials and area residents gathered to recall and honor the sacrifice of officer Hubert “Pink” Schenning, who was killed in a gunfight with two robbery suspects on Feb. 9, 1935, and Sgt. Anthony Eilers, who was killed Feb. 5, 1962, after he was beaten and shot by two thieves while performing what appeared to be a routine traffic stop.

Last week’s ceremony and others like it have been held annually in Burlington to honor the two fallen officers during National Police Week.

The program featured a procession of local law enforcement officers, posting of the colors by the department’s honor guard, a proclamation by Mayor Bob Miller, a video tribute to Schenning and Eilers and presentation of memorial wreaths, which adorn the department’s permanent memorial near the police station at the corner of Dodge and Jefferson streets.

The ceremony also included a selection of patriotic songs performed by Micah Gebel, a rifle salute provided by local veterans organizations and the playing of Taps by Kiefer Elliot.

Organized the past two years by officer Jeremy Krusemark, the ceremony is intended to ensure that Schenning and Eilers are remembered for their bravery and sacrifice on behalf of local residents in keeping with the National Police Week motto: “Heroes Live Forever.”

For profiles of Schenning and Eilers visit myracinecounty.com.

Citizens honored

At the conclusion of the memorial ceremony, Police Chief Peter Nimmer formally recognized local residents and department members who went above and beyond normal service during the past year.

Residents receiving plaques of commendation were:

• Corrie Classen, who on June 5, 2012, saw a person attempting to steal items from a vehicle behind the Burlington Dairy Queen on Pine Street. Classen contacted police with a description of the vehicle, which eventually led to the arrest of a person on suspicion of attempted theft and disorderly conduct.

• Christine Hoffman, who on Nov. 2, 2012, at 3:30 a.m., noticed flames at a neighbor’s residence. Fearing for the safety of her neighbors, Hoffman alerted her husband to call 911 and then ran to the home and knocked on the door to alert the residents. Two occupants and their dog exited the home safely.

• Susan Morrow, who on Dec. 23, 2012, was awakened by pounding on her front door at 2:30 a.m. Morrow called police and provided a description of the suspect, who was later apprehended after breaking into a neighboring residence where children were present.

• Tracy Polep, who, as loss prevention coordinator for the past five years at the Burlington Walmart store, has assisted police by reporting more than 50 retail thefts to local police. Her efforts enabled police to identify and successfully prosecute numerous thieves.

Department awards

• Officer Mark Johnston for coordinating and supporting the Burlington Safety Town program for more than a decade.

• Detective Sgt. David Krupp for his work in investigating a cross-country runaway/missing person incident.

• Investigator Rodney Thurin for his in-depth investigation that led to an arrest in a series of auto part thefts from dealerships throughout the area.

• Sgt. Brian Zmudzinski for his supervision of the departments field training program.

• Officers Matthew Barrows, Jodi Borchardt and Eric Mitchell for efforts in a life-saving situation.

• Office staff member Cassandra Baumeister for her efforts in handling data for the city Fire Department during the Echo Lake Foods fire on Jan. 30.

• The entire department for its response to the massive Echo Lake Foods fire.