Area Troopers Awarded for Life-Saving Actions

Governor Scott Walker presented special awards to 21 members of the Wisconsin State Patrol for saving lives and other exemplary service on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the State Capitol in Madison.

"All members of the State Patrol make our highways and communities safer through their professional and tireless dedication to traffic and public safety," State Patrol Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald said. "But the members of the State Patrol who received special awards have demonstrated exceptional expertise and courage under extremely stressful conditions. They were nominated for their awards by their fellow members of the State Patrol for actions that go above and beyond their normal duties."

Trooper Steven R. Lindemann of Oconomowoc (Medal of Valor Award)

Trooper Steven Lindemann responded to a chaotic scene where a man was firing a gun inside the Azana Spa in Brookfield on Oct. 21, 2012. In the immediate response to the mass shooting, Trooper Lindemann was instrumental in rescuing seriously injured victims. In preparation for the deployment of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Trooper Lindemann was positioned near the main entrance to the spa. After being relieved from that position, he helped safely escort uninjured individuals to their awaiting family members and friends. Three victims were killed and four others were treated for gunshot wounds. A total of 19 people were rescued and evacuated from the spa.

Despite imminent threats to his personal safety, Trooper Lindemann acted with extraordinary heroism and true professionalism during this extremely dangerous tragedy. For his decisive actions, Trooper Lindemann of the Southeast Region—Waukesha Post was awarded the Medal of Valor, which is the highest award presented by the State Patrol.

Trooper Adam J. Niemuth of New Berlin (Lifesaving Award)

Trooper Adam Niemuth monitored an ambulance call for a 1-year-old child who was not breathing on March 20, 2013. When he arrived at the scene on Moorland Road in Milwaukee, he saw the mother walking towards him while carrying the baby. The child was limp and was turning blue. Trooper Niemuth reacted quickly by placing the child in a reclined position. He tilted the child’s head back to open the airway. The child then began breathing and appeared alert. Trooper Niemuth checked the baby’s condition until emergency medical services arrived. By taking control at the scene and using his training to restore the baby’s breathing, Trooper Niemuth prevented possible brain damage or death. For his actions, Trooper Niemuth of the Southeast Region—Waukesha Post received a Lifesaving Award.