Manitowoc Noon Rotary Reveals Police Officer, Firefighter, Citizens of the Year Honorees

Officer of the Year – Casey Clarksen

Although Officer Casey Clarksen has only been with the Manitowoc Police Department for three years, he has made an immediate impact on the community he serves and the employees he works with. Clarksen was nominated by his immediate supervisors and the Detective Bureau for his roles beyond that of his second shift patrol assignment. In addition to the Warrant Service Team, he is certified in Crisis Intervention Training, is a negotiator for the SWAT Team, is a member of the Manitowoc County Peer Support Team, and most recently, is an evidence technician.
In March of 2023, Officer Clarkson was dispatched to a residence for an unresponsive male who was not breathing. Due to the quick actions of the officers, the victim is alive and well today. Also in 2023, Officer Clarksen had identified organized retail theft rings, resulting in the seizure of substantial amounts of cash. In addition to his assignments, he routinely is involved in many community events including Shop with a Cop, Stuff the Squad, local parades, and others.

Firefighter of the Year – Kevin Wilke

Motor Pump Operator Kevin Wilke—proudly, a third-generation firefighter—started his career with the City of Manitowoc in 2008. Wilke is known within the Department for actively sharing his background, experience, and passion for lifesaving training—while promoting career opportunities—with younger generations and throughout the community. Annually, Wilke shares his knowledge at Lincoln High School about the opportunities that exist in EMS.
Wilke also shares his knowledge, skills, and abilities with new members hired to the MFRD. In addition, he ensures that members of the MFRD receive the annual training requirements associated with their paramedic certification as well as any other identified needs for training within the organization.

Manitowoc Police Department Citizen of the Year – Audrey Koenig

Audrey Koenig is recognized as the Manitowoc Police Department Citizen of the Year due to her roles in fulfilling the Department’s vision statement of optimizing strong community partnerships. Having worked for the past 11 years as an Asset Protection Associate for Walmart, Koenig assists with numerous theft investigations annually. In 2023, the MPD responded to more than 100 requests to investigate retail theft at Walmart. Without Koenig’s tenacity and determination to work cooperatively with the MPD to hold these shoplifters accountable, this number would undoubtedly be much higher.
Koenig is a graduate of the MPD’s Citizens Academy and is currently the Vice President of the Alumni Association which seeks to strengthen the communication and relationship between the MPD and the community. Additionally, Koenig is active in numerous K9 fundraisers and MPD events and is an active member of the Retail and Financial Crime Prevention Task Force.

Nadia Williams, a Certified Nursing Assistant employed with Shady Lane, is recognized as the Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department Citizen of the Year. While working at Frontida Assisted Living and Memory Care, Williams demonstrated how important the chain of survival is in saving a life. Witnessing a resident choking, she directed another staff member to call 911 then quickly addressed the resident in need and provided back blows that freed the obstruction from the resident’s throat. The patient was alert and oriented upon EMS arrival with no signs of distress. Without Williams’ intervention, the treatment required would certainly have been more complicated and require further advanced medical care.
The Manitowoc Police Department, Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department, and Manitowoc Noon Rotary membership proudly congratulate this year’s honorees for their service to the community.