This week is National Police Week. This event is celebrated on both local and national levels. Nationally, Congress has passed legislation that allows flags to be flown at half staff every May 15, honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. There is also a
Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. Locally, the
Grand Chute Police Department holds an open house for members of the community. Yesterday’s open house included officer-guided department tours (special thanks to SSgt. Scott Hoelzel for the personal tour), an appearance from McGruff the crime dog, and access to inspect emergency vehicles. The event was hosted by the
Grand Chute Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni. If you haven not yet had a chance to tour the Police Department, I highly encourage you to put this on a "to do" list. It is a state-of-the-art facility and interesting to see.
All Grand Chute Police officers are dedicated to their jobs and are very good at what they do. Every officer I have met at the department is professional, friendly and committed to protecting the citizens of Grand Chute. Recognizing their dedication, one officer is selected for an Officer of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to Officer Michelle Vandeyacht. Officer Vandeyacht was instrumental in the investigation of a fatal stabbing incident last November. Her bilingual fluency in Spanish and commitment to the case allowed the department to get an accurate picture of what happened and arrest a suspect, who is currently awaiting trial. I extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to Officer Vandeyacht on a job well done.
