WEST BEND — The West Bend Police Department celebrated their members’ actions on Monday, handing out awards at the Common Council meeting.
According to WBPD Captain Matt Rohlinger, honorees were presented Life Saving Medals for their assistance during three separate incidents.
The first awards went to Amanda Lemberger and Lieutenant Brian Scharinger for an incident on May 5, 2023. Just before 5:30 p.m., Lemberger responded to Walmart for a report of an elderly man who had fallen and was bleeding from the head. Upon arrival, Lemberger found the man unconscious, not breathing, and with no pulse.
Lemberger immediately began performing chest compressions while continually checking for a pulse and signs of breathing. Lemberger continued CPR until Scharinger arrived with an AED. Lemberger and Scharinger performed CPR and delivered two shocks with the AED before they were relieved by West Bend Fire Department paramedics. Prior to leaving the scene, paramedics advised that the man had a pulse back and was breathing. The man was transported to the hospital and was discharged three weeks later, making a full recovery.
The next medal went to P.O. Tamara Cheek for her actions on Oct. 1, 2023. Just before 8:30 p.m., Cheek was dispatched to 1306 Wood Way upon reports of a 68-year-old man who was unconscious and having difficulty breathing.
Cheek located the man sitting in a chair and unresponsive. Cheek checked for a pulse and breathing and found none.
With help from the man’s wife, Cheek lowered him onto the floor and started performing chest compressions for several minutes until paramedics arrived. Cheek was then requested to continue giving chest compressions while paramedics performed other medical interventions, including at least two shocks. The man eventually began breathing and regained a pulse before being transported to the hospital and made a full recovery.
The final awards were presented to Dispatcher Ashley Wilson, P.O. Mitchell Welker, P.O. Collin Medved and Sergeant Joseph Wenzler for their efforts in saving the life of a 74-year-old Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran on October 8, 2023.
Just after midnight that morning, officers and paramedics were dispatched to the man’s home. He had been suffering from chest pains and had collapsed unresponsive on the floor.
Wilson calmly instructed the man’s wife through performing CPR until the first responders arrived. Wilson provided instructions and reassurance to the wife, keeping her calm and focused.
When Welker arrived, he found the male still unresponsive, not breathing and without a pulse. Welker began providing chest compressions himself, followed by Medved, who provided rescue breaths. Shortly thereafter, Wenzler arrived and attached an AED to the male, delivering three shocks. Eventually, their collective efforts resulted in the man’s survival.
Chief Tim Dehring spoke highly not only of those who received awards at the ceremony, but also of the entire department.
“It doesn’t even begin to paint the picture of what our officers and our dispatchers do, as well as our clerks and our CSOs, our crossing guards do day in and day out; to live that commitment to protect and serve our community,” said Dehring. “I’ve told you many times that I’m proud to be a police officer, but never as proud as I am right now to serve with such a fantastic team committed to excellence in policing.”
