Friend of fallen Officer Breidenbach says she had ‘a heart of gold’

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The founder of a local non-profit says Emily Breidenbach had a “heart of gold”. The Chetek police officer was one of two officers killed during a traffic stop Saturday in the village of Cameron.

Erik Conradson, who lives in Appleton, knew Breidenbach from her involvement with his non-profit organization, Courage Inc.

“You won’t find anybody who was more enthusiastic, more engaging with the community, more beloved than Emily was,” said Conradson.

His non-profit helps individuals with disabilities go on outdoor excursions. He says he met Breidenbach in 2018; she helped secure donations, grants, and equipment for their travels.

“The biggest thing I remember about her was just she was always smiling,” said Conradson. “I never had a negative interactive with her, she was always just so positive. She was so eager to be helpful. It was a personality trait that she had; it wasn’t just for show, it was just who she was.”

Conradson says he remembers Breidenbach as a very enthusiastic and outgoing person who always had a smile on her face and her death is a huge loss for the whole community.

“The best way to describe her was that she was very enthusiastic, very outgoing, passionate about helping others. Always had a smile on her face, somebody I would describe as having a heart of gold. She was always willing to help us. I think those traits are relevant to what she did as a police officer as well. You can see the different stuff she did as a police officer, engaging with the community , the kids, the K9 therapy and wanting to help the community and having that portrayal of someone who truly cares.”

Conradson continued, “Her legacy is going to live on through the work she’s done through the person she was. I can say for sure through our organization we have equipment and everything she helped us procure that will continue to help people for a long time just through our work. Her legacy as a police officer in the Chetek community, it will live on forever. You won’t find anybody who was more enthusiastic, more engaging, more beloved than Emily was.”

A vigil for Breidenbach and Cameron Officer Hunter Scheel is planned for Wednesday night in Barron County.

Officials have set up memorial funds that people can donate to. According to the city of Chetek, you can donate to the Emily Breidenbach Memorial Fund at Sterling Bank on Second Street. You can make donations to the Hunter Scheel Memorial Fund at Community Bank of Cameron, located on West Main Street.

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