'They were true heroes': Barron County officers laid to rest after being killed in the line of duty
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Saturday, April 15, a combined funeral was held for two Barron County police officers who were killed in the line of duty.
32-year-old Emily Breidenbach and 23-year-old Hunter Scheel of the Cameron Police Department were shot and killed during a traffic stop Saturday, April 8.
Family, friends and hundreds of officers gathered at Cameron High School for the officer's final salute.
People who spoke at the funeral described the two officers as loyal, hardworking and above all, dedicated to their jobs and their community.
"They performed their job with dignity, respect and professionalism," said Adam Steffen, Police Chief of the Cameron Police Department.
Their dedication to the force parallel to their love for their friends and family.
"Last Saturday was the worst day of my life, I lost my two friends," said Pastor Cody Kargus.
The funeral began with a prayer from the local police Chaplin. Shortly after, the service began.
First, the life of Scheel was honored.
"When I think about Hunter, I picture him in my mind. I see his contagious smile, I cry and cry, knowing I will never see that smile again," said Audrey Scheel, Hunter's sister.
The service continued paying respect to Breidenbach.
"Today we honor our sister, we know it hurts and we know it hurts deep," said Ron Ambrozaitis, Police Chief for the Chetek Police Department.
Breidenbach's loved ones said her zest for adventure was infectious.
"To say Emily was bigger than life doesn’t feel like it does her justice. I think it's more appropriate to say Emily was life or what life was supposed to be," said a loved one of Emily's.
A community now in mourning, but thankful for their protectors.
"They were true heroes."
Breidenbach was a five-year veteran of the Chetek Police Department.
Scheel is the first officer killed in the line of duty in the Village of Cameron.
A memorial fund has been set up for both officers.
You can find it here.