I had the opportunity to honor the
dedication and sacrifice of two Fox Valley first responders this
week during floor session in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Firefighter Mitchell Lundgaard was
nominated posthumously for First Responder of the Year Award by
Representatives Stuck, Rohrkaste, Tusler, Steineke, and me.
Lundgaard, who served 14 years with the Appleton Fire
Department, was killed in May in the line of duty after
administering life-saving treatment to an individual who then
shot and killed Lundgaard. Mitch’s wife, three sons, and mother
appeared before the Assembly on his behalf.
I nominated Staff Sergeant William Tedlie
Jr. for earning numerous commendations in multiple departments
and capacities during his law enforcement career, including his
capable response as part of the team managing the same violent
incident in Appleton on May 15th of this year when Mitchell
Lundgaard was killed. Bill’s family joined him for the ceremony
in the Assembly.
Mitchell Lundgaard and Bill Tedlie embody
the ideals of service. They and all our first responders run
toward danger when the rest of us seek safety. While we can
never repay them for making the lives of others their priority,
I’m proud we could take a day to let them know we see their
actions and their sacrifices, and we are profoundly grateful.
Rep. Murphy with the Lungaard family, Rep. Stuck, Rep.
Tusler, and Sen. Jacque.
Rep. Murphy presenting Staff Sergeant
William Tedlie Jr. with his award.
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