DANE COUNTY (WKOW) -- A group of law enforcement officers are back home after traveling to the Wausau area with others from across the state and the country, to pay their respects to an officer killed in the line of duty last week.Eight Honor Guard members with Dane County Sheriff's Office had a special role during a funeral Wednesday for Everest Metro Police Detective Jason Weiland. They fired the 21-gun salute as thousands watched services for the officer killed in a shooting rampage one week ago.
Deputies who were involved say it's an honor to be a part of such a special tribute for a fallen officer.
"Although we may not know the officer, we're family nonetheless. No matter what. Blue, brown, we're going to be there for them, the family and the agency," says Deputy Hayley Collins, an Honor Guard member.
The Honor Guard also joined more than 500 squads in a procession through the Wausau area, as thousands of community members lined the streets in silent tribute for the life lost on duty.
"Coming together only makes us stronger," says Verona Police Sgt. Jesse Christensen, who also traveled to Wausau. "We are such a tight-knit group that we will be there for anything they need."Some departments also went to the area just to help cover shifts for first responders and officers, so they could go to Detective Weiland's services.
For more on this story: http://www.wkow.com/story/35028679/2017/03/29/dane-county-sheriffs-honor-guard-serves-during-fallen-officers-funeral