Many gathered while representatives from various law enforcement agencies honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty at the Manitowoc County Peace Officer Memorial Service on Friday at the memorial between the courthouse and County Jail in Manitowoc.
The seven fallen officers saluted for their heroic efforts are Manitowoc Police Patrolmen Dale TenHaken, Lawrence Metsker, and Fred Mueller; Two Rivers Police Officers Thomas Dodge and Leo Rocque; and Sheriff’s Deputy David Hibbard and Marshall Edmund Hanske from the Kiel Police Department.
Manitowoc Police Chief Nick Reimer says, “The officers who sacrificed their lives thought it was just another day, but something happened that would change the lives of many forever. Citizens and officers need to continue working together to try and make sure that it’s just another day to return home safely to our families and our families are not cut short of a day without their loved one.”
Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre’s Keynote Address was one of Gratitude, “Thank You doesn’t seem enough to say. Your work is truly appreciated. Thank You for doing your job every day. Thank You for taking the time away from your families to protect us and thank you for being the frontline protection of your community. We appreciate it more than you know and please stay safe.”
A record 359 officers and 22 K-9’s lost their lives in the United States in 2020 with 213 dying from COVID 19. Chief Reimer added that “We’re thankful that no one from Manitowoc County was added to the ever-growing national list of those who died in the line of duty.”
He continued, “This memorial reminds us to respect, remember, and honor these Manitowoc County and that heroes do exist.”
