Two Shawano police officers were recognized March 11 during the Shawano Common Council meeting for saving a teen’s life just after Christmas at Sturgeon Park.
Sgt. Michael Pecore and Officer Dillon Frechette had gone to Sturgeon Park on Dec. 27 to talk to some people when they saw a 15-year-old standing on the edge of the bridge connecting the Wolf River with the Mountain-Bay Trail ready to jump into the river, a situation that Police Chief Mike Musolff described as “very scary.”
“Their actions reflect the very best of the Shawano Police Department,” Musolff said. “If they hadn’t stopped out (to the park), we don’t know what would have happened in this situation.”
Musolff described Pecore and Frechette’s actions as calm and decisive, getting the teen away from harm without violence.
“They were able to prevent what could have been a very tragic outcome,” Musolff said. “Their professionalism, their compassion and commitment exemplify the core mission of our department and the trust the community puts in us.”
Lt. Dan Conradt presented Frechette and Pecore with their commendations and said that saving a life is the highest action that law enforcement officers can take on.
“On this occasion, your identifying of and quick response to a citizen in distress prevented harm,” Conradt said. “Through your calm demeanor and empathy, you were able to de-escalate a critical situation and provide the individual with safety and the help that they needed.”
Conradt said the happy outcome came as a result of the officers utilizing their training and choosing to help someone at the risk of their own lives.
“Your conduct has brought great credit to yourself, your co-workers and the Shawano Police Department,” he said. “It serves to show the positive law enforcement officers have with our community.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
