Twin Lakes honored law enforcement Sunday

Town of Salem Public Safety Chief Dave Shortess addresses members of Westosha Lakes Church at Lakewood School at a 9/11 service (Earlene Frederick/The Report).
Town of Salem Public Safety Director Dave Shortess addresses members of Westosha Lakes Church at Lakewood School at a 9/11 service (Earlene Frederick/The Report).

Back the Badge in remembrance of 9/11

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

When two planes crashed into New York’s Twin Towers 15 years ago, thousands of lives were lost, including law enforcement and fire officials.

On Sunday, in remembrance of 9/11, service personnel received notes of appreciation from the public in ceremonies throughout the United States.

The Twin Lakes branch of Westosha Lakes Church was one of them, honoring police and fire officials from several departments in Kenosha County.

Pastor David Smiley, who officiated the service, states all officers present at the ceremony were grateful to the citizens who came to the podium to say thanks.

“I think they appreciated it,” Smiley stated. “I was very pleased.”

One law enforcement official, Town of Salem’s Public Safety Director David Shortess states the service brought a special meaning to him, noting his near three decades of experience.

Before joining the Town of Salem Public Safety Department, he spent 27 years as a Racine Police Officer, where he witnessed the decline of neighborhoods and industrial business leaving the area.

“It means a lot to me, personally, to have this service today,” Shortess said. “In years past, we as police officers, have always depended on ourselves to pat each other on the back.”

The service gave Shortess and other officials an opportunity to listen to notes of gratitude.

“To have the general public step to say, ‘We appreciate what you do everyday’ feels good,” he said.

He is not the only service official in the family, however, with his brother holding the office of Deputy Sheriff in Outagamie County and daughter, a former EMT at Town of Salem Fire/Rescue.

Shortess’ brother, Gary, has been involved in law enforcement the last 28 years while his daughter, Kayla, serves as an emergency room nurse in Kenosha.

While he is appreciative of the public’s support, he is equally grateful to Westosha Lakes Church, where he has been a member the last 2 1/2 years.

Shortess stated the church is a place where people can find that second family.

“Westosha Lakes is that church, it has been for me for the last 2 1/2 years,” he said. “You don’t have to be a police man to get a lot out of a second family.”


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One response to “Twin Lakes honored law enforcement Sunday”

  1. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Twin Lakes needs a K9 dog. There is a TON of drugs here. Great town, but a big underlying problem.