The Wisconsin State Assembly will recognize Capt. Paul Verhalen of the Fort Atkinson Fire Department today as a First Responders Hometown Hero, according to information recently released by the office of State Rep. Cody Horlacher.
Horlacher (R-Mukwonago) represents Wisconsin’s 33rd Assembly District.
In a recent statement announcing his selection of Verhalen, Horlacher said: “This past summer Capt. Verhalen heroically saved the life of a fellow firefighter during the Oak Street warehouse fire.”
Verhalen will be honored in a ceremony at the State Capitol today in the State Assembly Chamber.
Horlacher began accepting nominations in September for the distinction of 2021 First Responder of the Year/First Responders Hometown Heroes Award, a recognition made by the State Legislature recognizing first responders from around the state.
Verhalen is the chosen nominee from the 33rd Assembly District.
Information released in September from Horlacher’s office, announcing the acceptance of nominees for the award, notes that the 2021 First Responder of the Year Award was created in 2019 and highlights the great work the brave men and women of Wisconsin’s emergency services do each and every day to keep Wisconsin communities safe.
Nominees can include police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters or any level of EMS personnel that exemplify community service, selflessness, and dedication.
One individual will be selected from each Assembly district and invited to the State Capitol in Madison to be formally recognized on the Assembly floor during First Responders Appreciation Month in October, according to the release.
Capt. Paul Verhalen of the Fort Atkinson Fire Department.
Firefighters battle the Aug. 10 blaze at the five alarm Oak Street warehouse fire in Fort Atkinson. Capt. Nick Rueth, of the Fort Atkinson Fire Department, was injured during the first night of the several-day event. His injuries received immediate first-aid care and he was carried to a waiting ambulance by Fort Atkinson Fire Department Capt. Paul Verhalen. Verhalen is being honored today at the State Capitol for his heroic effort. A story about Rueth’s injury and Verhalen’s response is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-firefighter-injured-during-oak-street-fire-says-fast-action-saved-his-life/.
File photo/Chris Spangler.
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