[Madison, WI] – Yesterday, State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) presented Officer Julie Powell of the Antigo Police Department with the 2025 First Responder of the Year Award for the 35th Assembly District.
Officer Powell began her law enforcement career with the Langlade County Sheriff’s Office in 2013, serving as a full-time corrections officer and part-time deputy before joining the Antigo Police Department as a patrol officer in 2022.
On the evening of June 3rd, 2024, Officer Powell was faced with a tense hostage situation. Thanks to her training as a negotiator and her service on both the Special Response Crisis Negotiations Team and the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Crisis Negotiators Association, Officer Powell remained calm and skillfully assisted in the safe rescue of two young children and the arrest of the suspect.
“Officer Powell’s dedication and commitment to keeping the people of the City of Antigo safe can’t be overstated,” explained Rep. Callahan. “It’s easy to see the positive impact she has on others, her department, and her community. I’m proud to recognize Officer Powell with this year’s First Responder of the Year Award and know that she’ll continue to do great things and bring out the best in those around her.”
The “First Responder of the Year” award, created in 2019, recognizes the brave men and women who serve in our emergency services. Nominations are submitted by community members from across the state, and each state representative selects one individual from their Assembly district who best exemplifies community service, selflessness, and dedication. Recipients include police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel.
Both houses of the State Legislature also passed Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 99, declaring October 14th, 2025 as First Responders Appreciation Day in Wisconsin.
