A trip I will never forget

 

The day started by diving from Waunakee to Cameron and Chitek, Wisconsin.  As I traveled up North I could see the smoke and haze from the wildfires in Canada getting more and more dense.  I arrived in town an hour or so before the scheduled events and took a cruise around both Cameron and Chitek.  The thin blue line flags hanging on the

street posts, blue ribbons lining the bridges, many businesses had signs showing support for law enforcement, and offering their condolences. From driving around I could tell that both Emily and Hunter had large impacts on the community and were very well respected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hunter and I had only talked a couple of times, but the conversations were pretty long.  First it was the normal questions and then as we got deeper into conversation I learned about his love for fiance, military service, career goals, and more about him as a person.  Hunter and I would vere off on a military story, tell a joke or two (all appropriate of course :-), come back on track for a bit, vere off, and then back on track..  I could tell he was just an all around great person.  I got the same sentiment from talking with different law enforcement officers in Dane County who knew Emily from Stoughton, seeing pictures of her, and hearing stories from family.  

 

After driving I headed to the Chitek Police Department where I was able to meet the Chitek Police Officers, and met Chad/Zachariah from Running 4 Heroes.  Recently Homes for Heroes and Running 4 Heroes created a partnership to jointly honor the fallen families of first responders.  I actually have followed Zachariah since 2019 when he started his non-profit at 10 years old, and this marked his first time running in Wisconsin.  So far, Zachariah has run over 1,500 miles in over 34 states.  Once we were done at the police department we headed to the school in Chitek where we met the families and friends of Emily and Hunter before Zachariah's 1 mile run.  During Zachariah's run he was joined by fellow law enforcement officers, cross country team members, community members, and family members of both Emily and Hunter.

 

Here's a link to the video:  Zacariah's 1 Mile Wisconsin Run

 

Being this was his first one mile run in Wisconsin, the run was to honor Emily, Zachariah, and St. Croix County Deputy Katie Leisging who was killed in the line of duty May after making a traffic stop, and all first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Wisconsin.  After the run, we were able to have a small quiet meal with the families before heading back to Waunakee. 

 

During the course of the day, I was able to sneak in a few small quiet moments alone with the families, friends, and law enforcement officers that knew Emily and Hunter.  It was a sad day for the police officers, community, friends, and families as they are still mourning their loss, but I was glad to be able to hear some great stories about both Emily and Hunter, and share some good laughs.  I know being there won't replace their loved ones and the process can take time, but I hope the run, grants, and support can be a small step for everyone.  This trip is one that I will never forget.  

 

608 and 614 will forever be remembered.