Fiscal Note
No funds required.
Title
Congratulating and commending Officers Phil Yahnke, Shane Pueschner, and Jean Papalia on receiving the prestigious Top Cop Awards by the National Association of Police Organizations.
Body
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2004, an armed man walked into the Red Caboose Day Care Center, seriously injured one man and threatened other staff members and children; and
WHEREAS, Madison Police Officers Phil Yahnke, Shane Pueschner, and Jean Papalia were among the first responders to the scene and found the suspect threatening to kill the center's director in front of many children; and
WHEREAS, officers Yahnke, Pueschner, and Papalia quickly assessed the situation and attempted to bring the suspect into compliance; and
WHEREAS, in light of the suspect's refusal to comply with the officers' orders and in view of the danger the suspect presented to staff members and the children, Officers Yahnke and Pueschner were forced to shoot the suspect, who died from his injuries; and
WHEREAS, all three officers performed an extraordinary act of bravery and heroism in the line of duty and in taking the actions described above, Officers Yahnke, Pueschner, and Papalia prevented additional injuries and potentially saved many lives; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the aforesaid actions, on May 20, 2004, Officers Yahnke, Pueschner, and Papalia were presented with the Medal of Valor Award by the Madison Police Department during its Annual Awards Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Police Organizations will honor Officers Yahnke, Pueschner, and Papalia for the actions described above with the organization's Top Cop Awards at a ceremony on October 1, 2005 in Washington, D.C.;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Common Council reiterate their appreciation to Officers Yahnke, Pueschner, and Papalia for their courageous actions taken on March 9, 2004, and congratulate and commend them on receiving the prestigi...
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