Sergeant Scott Wheeler and Officer Andrew Preisler of the Oconomowoc Police Department
This week during the Assembly Floor session, the WI State Assembly honored our state's first responders and their families. This unique, incredibly moving ceremony was a genuine tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day so our community and loved ones remain safe.
The nominations were predicated on a variety of factors including a specific heroic action, a significant professional achievement, community work and/or length of service. The award recipients represent the full spectrum of first responders: police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and all levels of EMS providers.
Rep. Dittrich named Oconomowoc Police Sergeant Scott Wheeler and Officer Andrew Preisler as the First Responder of the Year for the 38th Assembly District. Sergeant Wheeler and Officer Preisler displayed heroic, decisive action in engaging and stopping a fugitive from justice by throwing stop sticks during a highly contentious police chase at Hwy 67/I94. This incident was reported in statewide press, not just for the police chase but for the subsequent incident involving the stabbing of Canine Officer Justice.
Sergeant Wheeler serves the Oconomowoc Police Department’ as the Taser Instructor and until recently, the Field Training Officer Program Coordinator.
Officer Preisler serves the Oconomowoc Police Department with honor and distinction not only in the role of officer, but as the Oconomowoc Police Department’s Drug Recognition Expert and Firearms Instructor.
Rep. Dittrich is incredibly proud to present this award to Sergeant Scott Wheeler and Officer Andrew Preisler as our First Responder of the Year. We are all incredibly grateful for their service. They are a shining example of our dedicated law enforcement/first responder community not just in Oconomowoc but in the 38th Assembly District and throughout our entire state.
ASSEMBLY VOTES TO EXTEND HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS
In addition to honoring first responders from around the state, the Assembly unanimously voted to pass an important piece of legislation authored by Rep. Spiros and Sen. Wanggaard that would help the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Assembly Bill 300 would allow the spouse and children of a law enforcement officer or first responder killed in the line of duty to continue to receive health insurance.
In 2009, Wisconsin passed a law requiring municipalities to continue to provide health insurance coverage for the surviving spouses and children of firefighters who died in the line of duty. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers were not included in this bill. This bill seeks to correct that oversight by ensuring state and local law enforcement and EMS are eligible for the same benefit.
The bill unanimously passed the State Senate on Tuesday, so it will now be sent to the Governor to await his signature.
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Representative Barbara Dittrich State Capitol, 19 North PO Box 9582 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0038 or (608) 266-8551 Rep.Dittrich@legis.wi.gov| |
