By Rich Palzewic
Staff Writer
SEYMOUR – A trio of Seymour employees were honored Sept. 28 at the common council meeting for their response to an incident that occurred this spring.
Officer TJ Hilgenberg and rescue workers Mary Greuel and Katie Katch were each presented with plaques for their roles in the arrest of a drug dealer and the saving of a life.
“Due to the sensitive nature of this case, I can’t disclose specific details, such as the suspect and victim’s names,” said Police Chief Isaac Schultz. “On May 17, 2020, the police department and rescue teams were dispatched for a drug overdose in the City of Seymour. Officer Hilgenberg was the first on-scene and found a family member performing CPR on an unresponsive person.”
Schultz said the victim’s lips were turning blue and their skin was turning white.
“TJ took over CPR until Seymour Rescue arrived,” he said. “Within minutes, (rescue) director Greuel and assistant director Katch arrived and immediately administered Naloxone (opiate reversal agent) to the person. Within a matter of seconds, the person regained consciousness and began breathing.”
Greuel said she and Katch were simply doing their jobs in saving the life.
“We’re a part of a great group of people and want to help those in need,” she said.
Schultz said Hilgenberg then took over the investigation of the incident.
“He specifically targeted the individual responsible for selling and distributing the drugs,” he said. “The investigation took approximately three months to complete. On July 21, the person responsible for distributing illegal drugs in Seymour was arrested at his residence in Fond du Lac. He was referred for second-degree reckless injury and for possession with intent to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance as a repeat offender.”
Schultz said the quick action by those involved led to the saving of a person’s life and the arrest of a dangerous drug dealer.
“The result of this arrest will save many lives and sends a strong message Seymour will not tolerate drug dealers in our community,” he said.
Mayor Ryan Kraft said the city is lucky to have such dedicated employees.
“The city couldn’t ask for anything more with what they do daily for us,” he said. “Mary is present at almost every rescue incident, no matter the time of day.”