More than 150 squad cars from across southern Wisconsin waited on the south end of Fond du Lac Wednesday to join up with those escorting the body of Officer Craig Birkholz back to him hometown of Kenosha for a memorial service. As they moved across the city, people lined the streets holding American flags and snapped photos in the sleet.
Birkholz was killed Sunday as police were responding to a sexual assault call. He served in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and had been with Fond du Lac Police for nearly two years. Another officer and a K-9 unit were also shot. Both are still recovering.
The shooter, 30-year-old James Cruckson, took his own life after a six hour standoff with police.
Kenneth, a Fond du Lac city employee, used his lunch time to attend. He says what happened Sunday was a terrible tragedy that “tears you apart.”
Marty, another onlooker, still can’t believe anyone in the city would shoot and kill a police officer. He says the whole event is a little surreal and a “very sad thing.” He did not know the 28-year-old officer, but said he wanted to be there to show his respect.
Funeral services for Birkholz will be held Saturday in Kenosha.
Bob Nelson, KFIZ
