CHETEK, Wis. — Chetek is mourning the loss of one of their officers following a fatal shooting of two police officers in Barron County on Saturday.

Alison Mickelson of Chetek said she has a heavy heart. Mickelson said she knew the officer personally because that officer would visit the bar where she worked.

“I went to bed crying last night, and I kinda woke up crying today,” said Mickelson.

On Sunday afternoon, the sign in front of B&B Bar and Grill in downtown Chetek was changed to read “Chetek Strong,” to pay tribute to the fallen officer.

Mickelson said she found out about the officer’s death 10 minutes after it happened.

“In this town, everyone kind of knows each other and so to have lost somebody like that… it’s just devastating,” said Mickelson.

The officer’s squad car now sits next to the Chetek Police Department. The community paid their respects by placing flowers there.

Tim Shogren said he’s left wondering why this happened to an officer he knew and respected.

“I always thought, why did they have to do that kind of stuff? They [officers] were just doing their job,” said Shogren.

It’s a feeling Mickelson said she shares. She said this officer stood out in the community by making everyone feel a part of the community.

Shogren agreed.

“I lived in many different communities in bigger cities and never had a connection with a local law enforcement person like this before,” said Shogren.

Mickelson said this is a loss she will always feel deep in her soul. She said the healing process will be a long road ahead for her and her friends and neighbors.