Officers killed in western Wisconsin identified as Hunter Scheel, Emily Breidenbach
CAMERON, Wis. -- On Monday afternoon, authorities identified the two western Wisconsin officers and the suspect involved in a shootout during a traffic stop on Saturday.
The Barron County Sheriff's Department said that the officers killed in the incident were Hunter Scheel, 23, of the Cameron Police Department, and Emily Breidenbach, 32, of the Chetek Police Department.
Breidenbach, who was with the department since 2019, was the handler for the police department's therapy dog, K-9 Officer Grizz. Scheel joined the Cameron department last year. Before that, he was a six-year member of the Army National Guard.
The deadly exchange of gunfire happened just after 3:30 p.m. near Cameron, about two hours east of the Twin Cities. Both officers pulled over 50-year-old Glenn Perry. Investigators say the traffic stop was for a warrant and a welfare check someone called in for a report of "disturbing behavior." It is still unclear what led to gunfire being exchanged.
READ MORE: Western Wisconsin communities mourn officers killed in traffic stop shootout: "We all feel the pain"
Both officers were pronounced dead at the scene. Perry was hospitalized and later died.
"The deaths of Officer Hunter Scheel and Officer Emily Breidenbach has been tragic to say the least," said Cameron Police Chief Adam Steffen. "In addition to changing the lives of their families and friends forever, this event has touched me, my department, local law enforcement, and law enforcement around the world."
"It's tragic, it's terrible. We shouldn't have to be here and talk about this, but we have to, time and time again across this country," said Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald. "We've had tragic events here in Barron County. Nothing like this."
Earlier Monday morning, the bodies of the fallen officers were taken by procession from Barron County to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in Ramsey for autopsies. While it was a somber event, it was a way to honor the fallen officers. As they were taken across the state border, Minnesota law enforcement was there to greet them, and pay their respects.
Monday evening, people lined the streets to pay their respects. As the procession moved through her town of Turtle Lake, former police officer Sheryl Gehrman felt the loss as if it was one of her own.
Law enforcement salutes as the two police officers who died in the line of duty are brought to the funeral home in Barron County, Wisconsin. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/ZAHv5h7qdL
— Nick Streiff (@nickstreiff) April 10, 2023
"This is how we honor them. This is how we honor their families, their agencies...Lot of pain, lot of hurt, lot of anger," Gehrman said. "Our law officers live amongst us. They're part of us. They raise their families, they go to our churches, they go to our schools."
Officer Scheel was a standout, and just a year into his law enforcement career. Cameron resident Cindy Corum knew Scheel well. When she called for help, he answered.
"He's done a lot for the community, he's done a lot for my daughter. He's come to my house and took her to school for me because she has a lot of health issues," Corum said. "He was just an amazing guy, amazing, amazing gentleman."
Tributes are also pouring in for Breidenbach, remembered fondly as an officer and mother. Resident Layne Yost shared a video Monday of the officer at Chetek's Liberty Fest, a Fourth of July event. She is seen dancing hand in hand with one of the young community members she served.
Those that met or worked with Breidenbach remember her for her compassion with children and the community.
"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," Sheriff Fitzgerald said.
Since the incident Saturday, law enforcement has never left the side of the two officers. Their honor watch will continue until both are laid to rest. The small town police departments work hand in hand.
"Chetek department will be back and we will pull through this, and we will be Emily strong," said Chetek Police Chief Ron Ambrozaitis.
Their bond is now strengthened as they mourn a collective loss.
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation is currently leading the investigation.
Funeral plans will be announced Tuesday. A public vigil will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Mosaic in Cameron, located at 401 South 1st St.
The Emily Briedenbach Memorial Fund has been established at Sterling Bank, located at 427 2nd St. in Chetek.