Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Contributed Photo Shawano police officers Brent Dilge, left, and Shane Stange were honored Wednesday at City Hall for their life-saving efforts during a medical emergency call in July.
Two Shawano police officers were honored by the city Wednesday for their life-saving efforts during an emergency rescue call in July.
Officers Shane Stange and Brent Dilge responded July 28 to a call involving a man who had stopped breathing and was having a heart attack, Police Chief Mark Kohl said.
Shawano Ambulance Service was also on its way to the scene, but, Kohl said, the department has a policy of also sending officers out on all emergency calls, and especially medical calls.
“We think it’s very valuable for the victims and also the families to at least see a uniform there, to give them aid, do CPR, and give any type of care and consideration until the real professionals in the medical field — Shawano Ambulance and their EMTs and paramedics — show up to give their professional care as well,” Kohl said.
Upon arrival, Stange and Dilge started CPR and were able to restore a heartbeat and sustain it until Shawano Ambulance personnel arrived.
“Because of the collaboration of our officers and their paramedics they were able to maintain that heartbeat on that person, at least for a little while,” Kohl said. “Unfortunately, that person passed from heart complications about a week later.”
However, Kohl said, “it gave the family some time for closure and some reflection during that period.”
The officers were presented with plaques and letters of recommendation from the city, along with something new being offered by the Police Department.
“The Shawano Police Department has an award program that a lot of people don’t know we have,” Kohl said. “It’s a new policy.”
The policy awards officers who are given special recognition a commendation ribbon that can be worn on their uniforms.
“I feel it’s very important to let our officers know their hard work and dedication is recognized,” Kohl said.
The honors were handed out during Wednesday’s Common Council meeting.
Common Council President Sandy Steinke, filling in for Mayor Jeanne Cronce, presented the letters of recognition.
“I think the Police Department is doing a great job in taking care of our community and saving lives and keeping us safe,” she said.