Green Bay – Earlier tonight, during a meeting of the Green Bay Common Council, State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D-Green Bay) recognized Green Bay Police Department Officer Scott Salzmann and his K9 partner, Pyro, as “First Responders of the Year” for the 90th Assembly District in recognition of their service, dedication and sacrifices to the Green Bay community and Pyro’s upcoming retirement.
“This recognition could have gone to any number of hard-working police officers, fire fighters, or EMTs that keep our community safe. They are all ‘First Responders of the Year’. With Pyro soon to enter into a well-deserved retirement, though, I wanted to highlight his story and honor what he and Officer Salzmann have meant to Green Bay,” Rep. Rivera-Wagner said.
Pyro joined the Green Bay Police Department in 2018, and he was paired with Officer Scott Salzmann. In 2019, while responding to a weapons complaint, Pyro was stabbed multiple times by the suspect and suffered life-threatening injuries. Pyro required numerous surgeries, including an emergency surgery to repair multiple injuries to his neck and esophagus. Officer Salzmann and his family were by Pyro’s side every step of the way through his recovery, nursing him back to health. Miraculously, Pyro returned to full duty less than two months after the stabbing. The Green Bay Police Chief at the time credited Pyro with preventing an officer-involved shooting with an armed, noncompliant suspect. This fall, Pyro will enter into retirement.
“I am deeply grateful to Officer Salzmann, Pyro, and all of the people – and animals – who help protect our community. First Responders Day in the Legislature provides a great opportunity to reflect on the incredible commitment to service, and I am really happy to be able to uplift the work of these dedicated public servants,” concluded Rivera-Wagner.
Each legislative session, the Wisconsin State Assembly honors first responders from around the state, with each State Representative recognizing a “First Responder of the Year” from their districts. A ceremony for the first responders was held at the State Capitol in Madison as part of the Assembly floor session on October 14, but Officer Salzmann and Pyro were not able to attend, so the ceremony was planned for City Hall.
