SCC Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising remembered with a prayer gathering

Loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising gathered in front of her memorial to observe a moment of silence on the anniversary of her death. — photo by Renee Bettendorf

GLENWOOD CITY – About 50 people gathered at the intersection of highway 128 and county road G on Monday evening to observe a moment of silence for Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising marking the one year anniversary of her death. 

Deputy Sheriff Leising, 29, was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 6, 2023 after responding to a single vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection. 

Loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Leising stood on the west side of highway 128 in front of her memorial bearing flowers and exchanging hugs. Community members and a number of law enforcement officers attended a prayer gathering on the east side of the road. Two Glenwood City ambulances, a fire truck and several police cruisers parked near the memorial with their lights on. 

At 6:43pm everyone at the event listened to a St. Croix County law enforcement radio broadcast commemorating Deputy Sheriff Leising. At that time St. Croix County dispatch closed the channel, spoke about Deputy Sheriff Leising’s service and then held a moment of radio silence in her honor.

Those attending the prayer gathering were led by Holy Cross Lutheran Church Pastor Jonathan Zielske in prayers and songs. At the end of the gathering Pastor Zielske declared the intersection holy ground.

Community members held a prayer gathering at the intersection where Duputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising was killed in the line of duty one year ago. — photo by Renee Bettendorf