Leader Staff
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Kathy Stoltenow recalls her late husband, Deputy James Stoltenow, Friday during the second annual Law Enforcement Observance at the Shawano County Courthouse.
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department color guard carries in the colors Friday during the second annual Law Enforcement Observance in the Board Room of the Shawano County Courthouse.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department on Friday hosted its second annual Law Enforcement Observance at the Shawano County Courthouse, paying tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty.
“They have served and given their all to keep us safe and secure,” Sheriff Randy Wright said.
In 2013, 105 deaths of law enforcement officers in the line of duty were recorded nationally.
The focus of Friday’s ceremony was a Shawano County deputy, James Stoltenow, who was in a car accident involving a high-speed pursuit in January 1987.
On Jan. 27, 1987, one week after the crash, Stoltenow succumbed to his injuries.
Mike Erickson, a retired member of the Green Bay Police Department who started as a deputy in Shawano County in 1975, recalled paying tribute to Stoltenow while he was in the hospital.
“Two by two, we walked up to Jim’s hospital bed and saluted,” he said. “In the end, Jim did what he did best — helping others.”
Stoltenow was honored in Washington, D.C., the following year during National Police Week.
In 1991, his was one of more than 12,000 names etched into the new National Law Memorial Wall. The wall now has some 20,000 names on it.
“It’s not how these officers died that made them heroes, it’s how they lived their lives,” Erickson said.
Kathy Stoltenow, who was given a standing ovation by attendees, recounted the day of her husband’s death; hearing the news there had been an accident involving a police officer and then learning it had been James.
“I lost my husband and best friend. We were supposed to grow old together,” she said.
Stoltenow left behind two sons, one of whom was born after he died.
Kathy Stoltenow said she would always be grateful to the Sheriff’s Department and city officers for their support.
“You are family and Jim’s dear friends,” she said.
“Today is the day to remember the fallen officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to keep their community protected, but we need to also recognize and honor the officers who put their lives on the line daily to keep our city and community a safe place,” Stoltenow said.
Wright recognized other law enforcement agencies the department works with, many of which had representatives in the audience, including the Shawano, Bonduel, Stockbridge-Munsee, Marion and Pulaski police departments.
“Without each and every one of us working together, the mission of keeping not only our county but our country safe and secure would be impossible,” he said.