Remembering their fallen comrades
Sun 6/30/2013
1306338797_5bd0_841.jpg
Remembering their fallen comrades
Deputy Ryan Bybee (right) receives one of his commendations from Sheriff Dean RolandSIREN—It has been 20 years since a Burnett County law enforcement officer has been killed in the line of duty. Each year, the law enforcement agencies in the county set one day aside to remember those who have gone before them.
"This is the day we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice," Chief Deputy Scott Burns said when he opened Thursday's ceremony.
The memorial remembers Paul Gramer, Richard Schinzing and Allen Albee, the three Burnett County law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
"It's been 20 years since the Albee tragedy — and the next one could happen at any time," Sheriff Dean Roland noted. "Each time an officer leaves the house — the officer and his family know he might not come home."
He hopes and prays that not be the case, but admits law enforcement officers have a little of what he calls the 'Superman Syndrome.'
"But we aren't superhuman — we laugh, we cry, we live, and we die," Roland said. "It's happened in the past — it may happen again."
"When you see an officer with his or her lights and siren going and you know they are on their way to an incident, say a prayer for them," the sheriff concluded. "They are working for your safety."
Following the memorial, Roland awarded several service medals, including four commendations for outstanding performance to dispatchers Mya King, Scott Treague and Jennifer Wedin and off-duty officer Derek Petersonfor their work during the active shooter incident of Sept. 26, 2010, the officer of the year award to Julie Mead, and the Purple Star and the sheriff's combat cross to Ryan Bybee for being wounded in the line of duty and his work during the active shooter incident of Sept. 26, 2010.
Bybee was alo awarded the military order of the purple heart for being wounded in the line of duty.
Contact/Location
Terry Nordrum
GRANTSBURG, WI
715-463-2341