By Chris Spangler
The Fort Atkinson City Council on Thursday congratulated Police Officer Ryan Walters on being named the 33rd State Assembly District’s 2023 “First Responder of the Year.”
State Rep. Scott Johnson of Fort Atkinson nominated Walters for the recognition, which was presented Oct. 17 in a ceremony at the State Capitol in Madison. Walters was among 99 individuals and two K-9 officers honored at the third annual observance.
On Thursday, Fort Atkinson Police Chief Adrian Bump introduced Walters — a 15-year veteran of the department and one of the most decorated officers at the police department — to the city council.
“In early 2023, Officer Ryan Walters received his third lifesaving award in a very short period of time for our agency, and also the ‘Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year’ for Jefferson County (Human Services), all in a short window,” he said.
Thus, it was not long before the state picked up on Walters’ great work in Fort Atkinson and saluted him as a “First Responder of the Year,” the chief said.
“I think this is a great opportunity today to bring Ryan up (front in the council chambers) and brag about him a little bit more and show off the award he received from the State of Wisconsin,” Bump said.
Bump noted that Walters is the first Fort Atkinson police officer to be recognized statewide as “First Responder of the Year.”
“Ryan’s been doing great work with our community, for our police department and as a team member, and I think it is pretty special that I can stand before our community with an officer recognized statewide for dedication to his work and selfless dedication to the saving of lives …,” Bump added. “It is a very proud moment to have him stand up her before the council and share that with you.”
Capitol ceremony
At the Oct. 17 ceremony in Madison, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos congratulated the honorees.
“These award recipients represent the full spectrum of first responders: paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, dispatchers, ambulance crews, paid and volunteer, urban and rural,” he said. “Each first responder has a unique story of how they have impacted the lives of those in their communities. Your acts of bravery, dedication and service make each and every one of you a hero in the eyes of Wisconsin.”
He noted that if all the time, talent and treasure provided by these 101 first responders were added up, the total would be immeasurable.
“We must, though, recognize and honor these courageous individuals who serve and protect our communities every single day,” Vos said. “We owe you all our utmost respect and gratitude for your service and sacrifice.”
Noting that his father was a volunteer EMT for about 20 years, Vos recalled him having to leave family dinners and special events to respond to emergencies.
“Through these awards, we aim to express our appreciation on behalf of the entire state to all first responders, even those who are not honored here today,” the Assembly speaker said. “Each of you and each of them are the first on the scene of an emergency and risk your lives to make these communities a safer place to live. When they are having their worst day, you need to make sure that you’re having your best. Wisconsin is grateful for your devotion and commitment to keeping your communities safe.”
The proclamation plaque presented by the state and shown to the council Thursday reads:
“Whereas, Ryan Walters serves the Fort Atkinson Police Department with honor and distinction as a police officer; and
“Whereas, Ryan Walters has been nominated by citizens of the 33rd Assembly District for the honor of the ‘First Responder of the Year’ for our Assembly district; and
“Whereas, Ryan Walters has been an asset to the Fort Atkinson Police Department and the City of Fort Atkinson for over 15 years; and
“Whereas, Ryan Walters has been awarded for saving a life for the third time since being with Fort Atkinson Police Department; and
“Whereas, first responders from across Wisconsin are being recognized in the State Capitol with a ‘First Responder of the Year’ award for their service and sacrifice;
“Now, therefore, Rep. Scott Johnson, on behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly, hereby recognizes Officer Ryan Walters as the ‘First Responder of the Year’ for the 33rd District in recognition of his selfless dedication and service to our community.”
Fort Atkinson Police Department Officer Ryan Walters, at left, holds a plaque given him in honor of being named the 33rd State Assembly District’s 2023 “First Responder of the Year.” The award was presented to him during a ceremony held in Madison in October. On Thursday, he and Fort Atkinson Police Chief Adrian Bump, at right, shared the plaque with members of the Fort Atkinson City Council. Chris Spangler photo.
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