2002 Police Communication Supervisor Nancy Olig

The Golden Bear award is presented annually to the member who exemplifies the highest ideals of the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association.

The WTA established the Arts and Essay Contest as a way of giving back to the community of Wisconsin. Children are our future, and this program was one that that charter members believed would not only benefit the recipients of the program, but would also enhance the visibility and name recognition of the Association.

The WTA Arts and Essay Contest inspires healthy competition and fosters creativity, while providing Wisconsin students the opportunity to share their dreams and visions through artistic expression. The WTA Arts and Essay Contest is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the nation.

As Director of the Art and Essay Contest, Nancy Olig has encouraged thousands of Wisconsin’s future leaders to participate in the program each year. At the same time, Nancy Olig’s vision and determination have solidified the foundation of the program, ensuring opportunities for Wisconsin’s future generations to participate while promoting and advancing the highest goals of the WTA.

The Wisconsin Troopers’ Association is delighted to present the Golden Bear Award to Nancy Olig in grateful appreciation for her many years of dedicated service.

Presented by the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association Executive Board on July 22, 2003.

2001 Trooper Luke Yahn

The Wisconsin Troopers= Association has awarded its Golden Bear Award annually to members for outstanding work.  For 2001, the Wisconsin Troopers= Association has bestowed the Golden Bear to you for your actions on June 14, 2001.

While assisting Richland County Deputy Marsha Machotka at a residence of an unwanted 15 year old male the subject became uncooperative using profanity towards the officers and others.  The young man went into the kitchen area followed by Deputy Machotka and yourself.  A struggle ensued when the youth removed a knife from a drawer and attempted to stab Deputy Machotka.  Your quick action of drawing your impact weapon (baton) and delivering several blows caused the youth to drop the knife.  Since the struggle did not end, you re-evaluated the force necessary to subdue the youth and used OC Pepper Spray to gain control of the youth.

Your response is indicative of your training and willingness to protect another officer from harms way.  We thank you for your professionalism and present you the Golden Bear Award.

1999 Trooper David Hertig

The Wisconsin Troopers= Association has awarded its Golden Bear Award annually to members for outstanding work.  For 1999, the Wisconsin Troopers= Association has bestowed the Golden Bear to you for your actions on March 5, 1999.

While on patrol near the Crivitz area, you were informed of a structure fire.  You responded and determined an occupant was still inside and in jeopardy.  You and another person went into the building and removed a person that was disabled.  This action was dangerous but something that Law Enforcement officers never think twice about.  You made the decision to do something that helped to save a life.  This rescue did expose you to smoke that caused you to go to the hospital.  Any person can appreciate his or her lungs, but you have a much greater understanding of this than anybody else does.

This action on your part is what the Golden Bear Ward is all about.

1998 Trooper Steven R. Williams

Trooper Steven R. Williams, is hereby recognized for the outstanding service and leadership he has provided to the Wisconsin Troopers= Association, and to Local Union 55.  There are few people in our organizations who have devoted as much time, or have made as many countless sacrifices for the membership of our organizations than Steve.

Not only has he spent countless hours lobbying in Madison for the betterment of us within the WTA, but he was elected to chair the Local 55 Bargaining Committee, and then elected to the Law Enforcement position on the Executive Board of Council 24 to represent the needs of all law enforcement within Council 24.  Steve was then appointed by Council 24 to chair the Political Action Committee of the Wisconsin State Employees Union for the betterment of all State Employee in Wisconsin.

During this same time Steve found time not only to fulfill the duties of the office of Vice President for the WTA, and Local 55, but found time to create Internet web sites for both organizations, and has continued to update and expand the quality of these sites.

To do these things he has sacrificed much of his family and personal life.  These sacrifices were not for his personal gain, but for the benefit of all of us, who he has chosen to serve.  Congratulations Steve on your outstanding achievements.

1997 Trooper Douglas Hansen

On March 31, 1997, Trooper Douglas Hansen located a reported stolen vehicle.  During the attempt to stop this stolen vehicle a high speed chase ensued.  Trooper Hansen pursued the vehicle into Illinois where the vehicle crashed into several cars at the Wadsworth Toll Booth.  As Trooper Hansen attempted to take the suspect into custody a struggle occurred, the suspect gained control of Trooper Hansen=s service weapon.  Trooper Hansen continued to struggle to regain control of his weapon, during this struggle the weapon discharged and the round fired struck the suspect.

On August 10, 1997, Trooper Hansen was in the process of making a traffic stop on I-94, Kenosha County, the State Patrol Harley Davidson motorcycle Trooper Hansen was operating was struck from behind by a motorist.  Trooper Hansen was thrown from the motorcycle and injured.

Trooper Douglas Hansen has shown his dedication to the citizens of Wisconsin and the State Patrol by his continuing efforts to make our highways safe. During his career Trooper Hansen has been and continues to be an outstanding Trooper.

1996 Trooper George T. Reidel

On December 4, 1995 Trooper George Riedel confronted an armed man who was holding a rifle to the head of a local police officer and he was making death threats to the officer.  When the subject demanded that all officers surrender their weapons or he would shoot the local officer, Trooper Riedel seized an opportunity to shoot the assailant without endangering the local officer.  The assailant whom had a history of violence died at the scene.

Trooper Riedel’s courage and calmness are credited to saving the life of the local officer and possibly the life of other officers.  His devotion to is duties, demonstration of great courage and determination are in keeping with the highest standards of the Wisconsin State Patrol.

1995 Trooper Wayne R. Wilson

In 1986 Trooper Wayne Wilson formed “Operation Helping Hand”, a program that coordinates the donation of food goods from overloaded trucks to food pantries.  More than 250 tons of food has been donated to date.  In 1987 Trooper Wilson began Project YORK, or Youth Organized for Recycling through Kiwanis.  The project currently recycles an estimated 450 tons of paper a year.  In 1992 trooper Wilson worked with Dunn County Fish and Game promoting the installation of red reflectors on posts along Interstate 94 to deter deer from crossing the highway preventing a number of car-deer crashes.  It is estimated to have saved $62,500 in vehicle damage in the first year.

Trooper Wilson has been very active in his community throughout his career while serving as President of the Kiwanis Club of Menomonie.  He has served as a Union Steward and Chapter Secretary/Treasurer in our labor organization as well.

Trooper Wayne Wilson, in recognition of the contributions that you have made promoting the professional image of State Troopers, I’m proud to present you with the 1995 Wisconsin Troopers’ Association Golden Bear Award.

1994 Trooper William Schoenberger

It is with great sadness that I write this citation for Trooper William Schoenberger.  The contacts that Trooper Schoenberger had in the WISCONSIN TROOPERS ASSOCIATION and his willingness and enthusiasm to serve his fellow members as a representative on the HOURS of WORK Committee for his co-workers on the Interstate System, remains a tribute to him.  Trooper Schoenberger exemplified the best qualities of a Wisconsin State Trooper, dedication and love of his family, co-workers, and the citizens of Wisconsin.  This concern ultimately lead to the fatal accident on Interstate 90.

I’m very proud to award TROOPER WILLIAM SCHOENBERGER THE 1994 WISCONSIN TROOPERS ASSOCIATION “GOLDEN BEAR AWARD”.  (posthumously)

1992 Trooper Jan Steinbergs
Trooper Jan Steinbergs is the Wisconsin Troopers’ Assciation (WTA) Executive Director.  He has shown a commitment exceeding 110 percent.  Jan is one of the orignial thirteen members that began the association.  He is still very committed to the first goal of the WTA which was to enhance the image of the Troopers.  His adherence to this ideal is reflected in his tireless performance as the Director, a post he has held since 1985.  The only person to hold that office to date.

Jan’s duties for the seven and one-half years have included the supervision for the The Wisconsin Trooper’s a quarterly publication of the WTA.  He has also supervised the WTA’s day to day problems.  The success of the WTA is directly attributable to his efforts.  His ability to promote the WTA to the members and the public on a daily bais continues to make the WTA one of the leading law enforcement organizations in Wisconsin.

Jan’s often repeated statement of AI=m terrific I’m a Trooper@ sums up his attitude and performance in his role as AA GOLDEN BEAR@.  Congratulations on behalf of all the members!

1991 Co-recipient:  Trooper Donald R. Randall

1991 Co-recipient: Trooper Donald R. Randall had been a leader in the two organizations which support all members statewide.  In the Labor organization Don began with membership in 1968 and have served as a grievance representative, held offices in a statewide capacity as Secretary, Vice President, Steward and served on many committee’s.  The most important of those was the committee to rid the patrol of management’s QUOTA system.

Don’s involvement in the WISCONSIN TROOPERS’ ASSOCIATION began with the committee to form the association.  Don is one of the original shareholders of the Troopers’ Association and served as its second Vice President (1989-1991).  Don’s work on the 50th anniversary issue was an important part of the State Patrol’s celebration.  Don has served as the first Director of the Troopers’ Association Scholarship program.  Don’s work in this area has laid a foundation that will be in use for many years to come.

1991 Co-recipient:  Trooper Warren B. Holsbo
Co-recipient: Trooper Warren B. Holsbo, your work in our two organizations in a leadership role has been outstanding.  In our labor organization Warren has served as its treasurer from 1983 to the present.  Warren’s ability to administer the treasury of some 2 million dollars over his terms as treasurer has been tremendous.  This continued and constant dedication to the elected office has kept our labor organization among the best in the state.  Warren holds one of the original stock certificates in the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association and has served on the Executive Board since casting the original vote to start the Association.  Warren has always supported the programs that benefitted the members and their dependents.

1990 MVSS Gerald Bertin

On February 7, 1990 as he left work through the rear door of his work station three masked men demanded that Bertin let hem in and open the safe for them.  One man was armed with a pistol and the other with a shotgun, which luckily misfired when Bertin fled his attackers.  As he fled, pursued by the shotgun wielding man Bertin grabbed the man and succeeded in knocking him to the ground.  After a heated verbal exchange, the attacker threw the shotgun at Bertin and fled with his accomplice.  For his courage and actions in facing armed hoodlums, Bertin was awarded the 1990 Golden Bear award.

1989 Co-recipient: Trooper Deborah M. McMenamin
(posthumously) Trooper Deborah McMenamin gave her life in the service of the state of Wisconsin and its citizens on October 26, 1989.

1989 Co-recipient: Trooper Edward G. Kirkeng
(posthumously) Trooper Edward G. Kirkeng is here by recognized for his service and efforts to his brothers and sisters of the Wisconsin State Patrol, State Patrol Union Local 55 and the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association.

1988 Inspector John Steffeck

Inspector John Steffeck was recognized for his work in reaching a settlement for 33 State Patrol Inspectors and is an “example to other (WTA) members that continuing to work within the system will bring results”.

1987 Trooper Clarence “Bud” York
Trooper Clarence “Bud” York for his hard work during the 1986 and 1987 investigation of the Trooper Casey Perry case.  York investigated Perry’s case after the trooper was fired.  York’s “attention to all aspects of the case led to a complete victory in this matter.  The firing of Trooper Casey Perry was overturned, and without any kind of discipline at all being sustained against Trooper Perry.”

1986 Trooper Ronald C. Disher
Trooper Ronald C. Disher for his devoted leadership to Local 55 and the Wisconsin Troopers’ Association.  The association recognized and honored Disher for his devotion and leadership to the new organization. ” You have been the guiding and forceful hand at the helm of our association.  You have given freely of your time and talents in performing a myriad of tasks for the association.  The high quality of your leadership abilities, coupled with your untiring efforts on the members’ behalf are directly responsible for the fine start realized by this association.”

1985 Trooper Steven D. Sell

Trooper Steven D. Sell for helping save the life of a seven year old girl.  On December 16, 1984, Sell assisted in the rescue of two girls who had fallen through some ice.  His efforts in performing CPR at the scene and his efforts at the hospital were directly responsible for saving the life of the seven year old involved.

1984 Trooper Brian Meek

Trooper Brian Meek was shot by a armed robber during a traffic stop returning gun fire at the assailant and his stolen vehicle.  Later furnished information that lead authorities to an area where the subject was shot during apprehension.  Trooper Meek recovered from his wound(s) but was required to take a medical discharge from state service due to the injuries that he received.

1983 Trooper Louis J. Mane

Trooper Louis J. Mane for assisting another Trooper that was assaulted by a subject that stole the troopers vehicle and lead authorities on a high speed chase.  After the vehicle crashed the subject turned the troopers gun on Trooper Mane and another officer.  Trooper Mane shot the subject during an exchange of gun fire, which mortally wounded the assailant.  Mane’s actions may well have saved the life of a fellow trooper and possibly the life of another police officer.  His actions kept a heavily armed fugitive from entering the civilian community and possibly causing great harm to others.  His devotion to his duties and demonstration of great courage and determination are in keeping with the highest standards of the Wisconsin State Patrol.