MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday ordered all U.S. flags and state of Wisconsin flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, April 15, to honor of Chetek police officer Emily Breidenbach and Cameron police officer Hunter Scheel.
Scheel and Breidenbach were fatally shot in the line of duty on Saturday, April 8 while conducting a traffic stop in Barron County.
A visitation and funeral will be held this Saturday for the officers.
“By every account, Officer Breidenbach and Officer Scheel were deeply committed to their roles and responsibilities as law enforcement officers and the people and communities they served every day,” said Evers in a statement. “Their tragic and senseless deaths are an incredible loss and a testament to the danger first responders face every day in the line of duty to keep our communities safe.”
Breidenbach worked as an officer with the Chetek Police Department for just over four years. Before starting her career in law enforcement with the Stoughton Police Department, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She also was the handler for the Chetek police therapy dog, K9 Officer Grizz.
Scheel served in the Army National Guard for six years and served in Afghanistan. He graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in Dec. 2022 and had been with the Cameron Police Department for about one year.
“Our hearts are with Officer Breidenbach and Officer Scheel’s family, friends, and loved ones, members of the Chetek and Cameron police departments, and everyone from the Barron County community,” said Evers in a statement.
The Executive Orders #192 and #193 for flags to be at half-staff will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Saturday.