Wounded Oconto Falls police officer released from hospital

The Oconto Falls police officer who was shot Aug. 6 during a confrontation with a suspect has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, Police Chief Brad Olsen told a group of more than 200 people who came out Sunday night to show support for her.

Olsen asked for the public’s help in addressing substance abuse and mental health issues that he said have “exploded” in recent months.

“We need help. The sheriff’s department needs help, human services,” he said. “The drug-related calls, drug-endangered children … We have used Narcan more in the last four months than in the last five years.”

Narcan is a drug used to counter the effects of opiates in an overdose or other emergency situation. Olsen urged the assembly to reach out to local lawmakers — legislators, the county board and municipal councils — to make sure resources go into the fight against drug abuse.

Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban joined Olsen in the call.

“We can’t arrest our way out of the problem,” said Skarban, whose staff has worked with Oconto County Human Services to develop treatment programs for inmates whose drug abuse issues have landed them in the county jail.

The candlelight vigil was organized quickly by three local women — Carrie Marquardt, Jenn Dantinne and Christine Grzelak — who wanted to support the wounded officer and law enforcement in general.

Pastor Kevin Kuhn of Riverside Alliance Church in Oconto Falls said he has been upset for the past year as law officers across the country “are being mistreated” and attacked by some political leaders.

“We are grateful that this person is alive,” Kuhn said as he led the group in prayer. “We pray for their complete healing and restoration.”

He also prayed for healing for the Oconto Falls Police Department, a small unit that has been shaken by the events of Aug. 6.

“We pray that our community would honor our policemen, and that our children would be taught to do so,” Kuhn said. “We pray for our nation, that you would heal our nation and the sickness that is within. Turn us back to God today.”

A canopy was set up because of a forecast of severe weather around the time of the 6 p.m. vigil. A thunderstorm approaching the area held off until a few minutes after the group began to disperse.