For the Tomahawk Leader

MADISON – This week, a Merrill resident and Wausau police officer was honored for his community impact.

To begin the Wisconsin State Assembly’s Wednesday, March 22 floor session, Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) presented Josiah Kaetterhenry with the Assembly’s Hometown Hero Award.

A release from Callahan’s office said the Hometown Hero Award program “provides the opportunity for state representatives to identify and recognize individuals from their assembly districts who make a difference in their communities and in the lives of the people around them.”

“I am proud to have constituents in the 35th Assembly District like Officer Kaetterhenry,” Callahan stated. “Thanks to his quick thinking and bravery, two teens were saved during active suicide attempts within the course of three months.”

The release said that in April 2022, Kaetterhenry pulled a male, 15, to safety after he had been reported to be actively suicidal and was walking along the top ledge of the Jefferson Street Ramp in Wausau. Kaetterhenry restrained the teen until other officers arrived to assist, according to the release.

“Three months later, in July, an 18-year-old male was sitting on the railing of the Bridge Street Bridge in Wausau, 100 feet above the Wisconsin River, preparing to jump and end his life,” the release stated. “Officer Kaetterhenry snuck up behind him, grabbed him around the waist and pulled him off the guardrail.”

“On behalf of the Wisconsin State Assembly, I am pleased to congratulate Officer Kaetterhenry on receiving the Assembly’s Hometown Hero Award and thank him for his service to the residents in our local communities and our state,” Callahan said.