Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda recently issued a letter of commendation to Pierce County Deputy Cale Huppert and Wisconsin DNR Warden Joe McMahon for their actions that resulted in a life being saved.

On April 12, 2024, both men responded to an address in Martell Township for a man who might have been crushed under a pole shed. Huppert arrived first and found an outdoor wooden shed tipped on its side, crushing a man beneath it.

“He quickly ascertained the shed was crushing the person,” Koranda said. “Deputy Huppert was unable to get a response from the individual and attempted to get underneath the roofline of the shed. He was able to pick it off slightly and the individual gasped and began to gurgle. Warden McMahon arrived and they were able to lift the structure off of the individual. He was laid down in a rescue position until EMS arrived.”

Koranda said the man they saved is recovering and in good spirits.

“He is very thankful for your actions on April 12,” Koranda wrote in the letter. “There is no doubt that your actions directly affected this individual and saved his life. It is hard to tell how far your actions will affect others. In this moment what you did had a far-reaching effect that will last forever. If you’ve ever questioned the importance of your profession please let this serve as an example of how much influence you have.

“The results of your actions are far more valuable than any paycheck or monetary compensation you can receive. I only hope that my sincere thank you and recognition can impress upon you how much I along with the citizens of Pierce County value you and your actions.”

Submitted by Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda