HonoringEmily Breidenbach

Chetek, WI

EOW: April 8, 2023 | Cause: Gunfire

Age: 32 Tour: 4 years, 10 Months Badge: 614

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LODD Details

Police Officer Emily Breidenbach and Police Officer Hunter Scheel of the Cameron Police Department were shot and killed during a traffic stop at Wisconsin Highway SS and 13th Avenue in the Village of Cameron at 3:38 pm. Officer Breidenbach and Officer Scheel pulled over a vehicle for a warrant and welfare check on the driver. The subject was armed, and gunfire was exchanged. Officer Breidenbach and Officer Scheel succumbed to their wounds at the scene. The subject was transported to the hospital where he died. A memorial for the officers continues to grow day after day. People are adding fresh flowers, candles, paintings and individual messages to Scheel and Breidenbach.

Emily Breidenbach was engaged to be married and was the daughter of former Chetek Police Chief Robert Breidenbach. Chetek Police Chief Ron Ambrozaitis said Breidenbach was the department’s K9 therapy dog handler and had been with the force since 2019. Breidenbach often made a big impression wherever she went in uniform with her warm personality and big smile. Social media photographs and videos capture her dancing with kids in Chetek, sharing an ice cream cone, and reading to kids in school. Chetek Mayor Jeff Martin recalled Officer Breidenbach just dropping in, out of the blue to check on his autistic son and his 6,000-piece Lego build.

Officer Breidenbach had served with the Chetek Police Department for over four years and previously served with the Stoughton Police Department. She is survived by her parents, brother, her fiancé, and his four children. Her father was the Chief of Police for the Pardeeville Police Department. Through the generosity of our donors, we had the honor of hand-delivering vital resources to help ease their financial hardship while mourning.

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