'They will be missed by everyone': Wisconsin officers killed in shooting identified
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. (AP/CBS 58) — The two Wisconsin police officers who were killed in a shootout Saturday in Barron County have been identified.
Thirty-two-year-old Emily Breidenbach of the Chetek Police Department and 23-year-old Hunter Scheel of the Cameron Police Department were killed after gunfire was exchanged at a traffic stop.
Monday night police officers kept vigil over the bodies of the officers.
The officers made a traffic stop in the town of Cameron Saturday afternoon. It ended with gunfire.
At a news conference Monday, they were described as two outstanding officers.
Cameron Police Chief Adam Steffen said, "Through this unfortunate series of events, I know the community is also grieving."
The two officers were remembered and honored for how they lived and served.
Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said, "From Emily dancing in the football stands to Hunter at National Night Out with kids playing in the squad, this is why we do what we do in Barron County."
Governor Tony Evers offered his condolences to their families and said he planned to sign executive orders lowering U.S. and Wisconsin flags in their honor once funeral arrangements have been made.
While in Eau Claire Monday, Governor Evers said, "We have to mourn and take care of the families that of these, of these officers and make sure that these two police forces, small ones, frankly, they're, their mental health is taken care of."
Officials say Scheel served with the Cameron Police Department since 2022 after previously serving six years in the Army National Guard.
Officer Breidenbach served with the Chetek Police Department since 2019. She was the handler for the police department's therapy dog, K-9 Officer Grizz. Her compassion for the community, especially its children, was described as remarkable.
Chetek Police Chief Ron Ambrozaitis said, "Chetek Department will be back and we will pull through this. And we will be Emily Strong."
They represented two small communities in northwest Wisconsin that are fewer than 10 miles apart. Cameron is a village of 1,700 people; Chetek is a city of about 2,200 people. The two police departments back each other up on a daily basis.
Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said, "It's really one department. They just have a different patch on their shoulder but we're all one law enforcement office."
The traffic stop was initiated Saturday because a warrant was issued for a welfare check on 50-year-old Glenn Douglas Perry after concerning behavior was reported.
After the shootout, the officers were pronounced dead at the scene. Perry later died at a hospital.
In 2020, Perry plead no contest to disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier. A battery charge was dismissed.
The state Division of Criminal Investigation is handling the case. The Barron County district attorney said it will take about 30 days to get that report, which will then be made public after he reviews it.
On Monday afternoon, the bodies of officers Scheel and Breidenbach were escorted to the funeral home, where fellow officers will stand vigil throughout the duration of the services.
Sheriff Fitzgerald said, "Our thanks go out to everyone who stepped up and helped law enforcement with their support and prayers. From the blue ribbons, blue lights, flowers, and hugs. We need it. They need it."
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced Tuesday afternoon.
Both the Cameron and Chetek Police Departments released the following statement:
"Our love and condolences go out to both the families and all those with whom they served. We, as a law enforcement family will do everything possible to continue to provide support and comfort to Hunter and Emily's families. They will be missed by everyone."