Fallen first responders from Wisconsin honored at State Capitol

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- First responders from across the state were honored for their work at the State Capitol Thursday, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

First responders from all 99 Assembly Districts were honored as "First Responders of the Year," recognizing them for their work in their respective communities.

Four names were honored posthumously -- they include Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner and Officer Kou Her, Racine Police Officer John Hetland, and Appleton Firefighter Mitchell Lundgaard.

Some of the family members of those fallen first responders were in attendance and received a standing ovation. The Assembly held a moment of silence in honor of those fallen first responders.

Assembly leaders expressed gratitude to all the award recipients as well as their families.

"Today we honor the service and sacrifice of our first responders," said Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton), Assistant Minority Leader. "But we also absolutely have to thank the families and friends here today that support them every single day."

"Thank you for your service, thank you for your commitment, thank you for your love of your community, thank you for taking time away from the ones that you love to save the ones that we love," said Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester), Assembly Speaker.

The nominations for the award were made based on a variety of factors including a specific heroic action, significant professional achievement, community work or length of service.