Cool under pressure

WAUPACA – Kim Allard, a telecommunicator with the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, was recognized by Rep. Brent Jacobson (R-Mosinee) as First Responder of the Year for the 87th Assembly District.
“For over a decade, she has shown tremendous dedication and unwavering professionalism in her service to the people of Waupaca County. Today’s award is a small signal of the gratitude we owe all the first responders serving the 87th Assembly District,” said Jacobson.
According to a press release by Jacobson, Allard was selected for her role in deescalating a high-stakes stand-off with an armed individual having a mental health crisis.
“We are incredibly proud of Telecommunicator Allard and the outstanding work she does every day. Her work is a wonderful representation of the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, a team that is dedicated, professional, and always committed to serving our community,” wrote Sheriff Tim Wilz on the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Rep. Kevin Petersen honored Waushara County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Deputy Brian Wenzel as the First Responder of the Year for the 57th Assembly District.
This past August, Wenzel took a call about two swamped boaters on a remote lake. He made it to the scene, commandeered a boat with no motor, oars or paddles. He grabbed a shovel from his vehicle and used it as a paddle. He made it to the boaters, rescued them, and by that time, EMS arrived and they threw him a rope and pulled everyone to shore.