Northwest Wisconsin law enforcement suffered a tragic loss this past weekend with the death of Rusk County Deputy Dan Glaze, who was shot and killed while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle in a field on Broken Arrow Road, south of Ladysmith, Wis.
Today, across the state of Wisconsin,flags are flying half-staff and hundreds of law enforcement officials come together to honor the deputy’s life during his funeral service and procession.
Deputy Dan Glaze worked as a Hayward police officer for five years before transferring to Rusk County. Over the course of his career he affected many people in a positive way as shown by the outpouring of support from across the Northland as people come together to honor his life.
A public visitation began this morning at 9:30 and last till 1:30 p.m. with the ceremony from 1:30 TO 2:30 at the former Cameron Elementary School, 600 Wisconsin Avenue in Cameron, Wisconsin.
The procession will begin at 3:00 p.m. in Cameron, proceeding through Rice Lake to the cemetery near Mikana.
Although the official ceremony began this morning, law enforcement has been honoring their fallen brother all week with a vigil watch. An officer has been standing guard over his body since Sunday and stand guard until 2:00 p.m. today, which then becomes a Casket Watch and Door Guard, where officers will have the high honor to stand guard at the head and foot of his casket and at the door at 15-minute shifts throughout the service.
“A ‘sentry’ or ‘guard’ will stay with him until he’s buried,” said Sergeant Tom Wahl of the Chippewa Falls Police Department. “It’s protocol that’s always been done. Law enforcement continues to take care of their own. It’s truly a sign of respect that we’re watching over him till the time he’s laid to rest.”
Wahl said officers are taking part in the service from departments all over the area. He said the Wisconsin Honor Guard Association takes care of the funeral arrangements. Wahl and Jeremy Peery, a Department of Natural Resources warden, are coordinating the efforts on their behalf.
Wahl said after the procession, there will be a short service at the cemetery where officers will fold the flag that covers the casket and present it the widow. He said a smaller flag is then folded and presented to his mother.
Following the flag-folding, a Rifle Volley will be done, similar to the military’s 21-gun salute. A Mayo 1 Life Flight flyover will follow.
Wahl said the Casket Vigil has been going all week with area law enforcement officers standing watch over his casket at the Appleyard’s Funeral Home in Rice Lake.
The officers that stood watch included the Washburn County Sheriff, Terry Dryden, and Shell Lake Police Chief, David Wilson. The two split a 15-hour shift through the overnight hours on Tuesday.
Wahl said other officers included two state troopers, Aaron Prohovnik and Jody Kummitt; Lake Hallie Police Sergeant Jeremiah Rathke; Chippewa County Deputy Chris Thibado; and Department of Natural Resources Warden Josh Loining.
Wahl said that officers from the Rice Lake P.D. and Barron County Sheriff’s Office also stood watch on the first night prior to Wahl becoming involved in organizing the funeral services.
The Law Enforcement procession will leave at approximately 3:00 p.m. today beginning at Wisconsin Avenue, in Cameron and travel north on County Highway SS/HWY 8 and proceed into the City of Rice Lake on County SS.
People wishing to observe the procession are encouraged to watch in Rice Lake to reduce congestion in Cameron. The procession will proceed through Rice Lake on Main Street, then take Hwy 48 out of Rice Lake’s north side and travel to Mikana.
A candlelight vigil was held in Hayward and Ladysmith at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening. The Mayor of Hayward spoke at the vigil there.
“Dan was a wonderful man, a loving husband and father,” Mayor Bill Swintkowski said. “Many times he’d just stop by and we’d talk like a father and a son. I just hope we can get through this and never have to experience something like this again.”
Swintkowski said Dan is in a better place now, “But, it’s his family I worry about now. Whatever we can do as a community, we need to come together and do for them.”
Two benefits are planned at area restaurants. The Ladysmith Family Restaurant will donate their entire day’s profits to the Glaze family for November 15, Tuesday. A fundraiser is planned for November 17, Thursday, from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Steakhouse in Hayward. There will be raffles, door prizes, silent auction and food for $20 per person.
A memorial fund has been established at Ladysmith Federal for fallen Deputy Dan Glaze. Donations can be brought to Ladysmith Federal or mailed to PO Box 146, Ladysmith, WI 54848. A GoFundMe page was also created.
Last Update: Nov 04, 2016 12:09 pm CDT
