Deputy Kaitie Leising Memorial Highway dedicated

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By Renee Bettendorf

GLENWOOD CITY — More than 100 people attended the Deputy Kaitie Leising Memorial Highway and Leising Avenue dedication ceremony held at the St. Croix County Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon. Deputy Leising’s family, various law enforcement and first responders, a number of St. Croix County and Glenwood City board members, two T.V. stations and many community members were all in attendance.

St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson led the ceremony. St. Croix County Chaplain Kevin Morris, Pepin County Sheriff Joel Wener, Glenwood City Mayor Kent Kletscher, Wisconsin State Senator Rob Stafsholt and Army State Command Sergeant Major Curtis Patrouille all spoke at the ceremony.

During the hour-long dedication the St. Croix County highway department installed signage along the portion of State Highway 128 from its intersection with State Highway 64 south to its crossing at Interstate 94. The signs declare that portion of 128 as the Deputy Kaitie Leising

Memorial Highway. The section of State Highway 128 that runs through Glenwood City which was originally known as Syme Avenue was renamed Leising Avenue.

“This is a momentous day,” said Sheriff Knudson.

He told the crowd that tens of thousands of people will see the signs weekly and be reminded of Deputy Leising and her heroic actions. Deputy 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 of 128 and County Road G.

After greeting everyone and thanking them for coming, Sheriff Knudson introduced Chaplain Kevin Morris who led the crowd in prayer.

“Deputy Leising is part of the DNA of St. Croix County,” said Chaplain Morris during his prayer.

Sheriff Knudson told the crowd that the memorial highway will keep Deputy Leising’s name top of mind to anyone who drives by the signs and thus honor her memory for generations to come. He went on to say that she will continue to make an impact on the community.

Knudson then presented a medal of valor for Deputy Leising’s courage in the face of danger to her family members. The medal recognizes extraordinary acts of heroism and bravery on the part of the nation’s public safety officers.

After presenting the medal to Deputy Leising’s family, he introduced Sheriff Wener. Sheriff Knudson said Sheriff Wener was one of the first people he reached out to after Deputy Leising was killed.

“I’m grateful for the support of other sheriffs,” said Sheriff Knudson. 

Sheriff Wener told the crowd that the Badger State Sheriff’s Association created a scholarship in Deputy Leising’s name.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a local student who plans to pursue a career in criminal justice. He then presented the scholarship to Sean VanSomeren, a recent graduate of Baldwin-Woodville high school who was at the event and plans to attend college for a law enforcement career.

Sheriff Knudson said the Take Action. Honor Kaitie. organization has been an integral part of honoring Deputy Leising. The organization which was formed shortly after her death aims to fund efforts to remember fallen officers and support the families and co-workers of those fallen officers.

The Take Action. Honor Kaitie. organization helped fund two trips for Deputy Leising’s family and St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office personnel members. Both trips were to witness her name being installed on memorial walls in Madison and Washington D.C., said Knudson.

Knudson went on to say that dedicating the highway was no small feat and took lots of time and people.

“It took a lot of hands,” he said.

Mayor Kletscher also spoke at the dedication. He said that Glenwood City Chief of Police Joel Klatt and the former mayor Robert Unruh spearheaded the idea of creating a memorial highway. He said he was glad to honor a hero.

“A true hero in every sense of the word,” said Kletscher of Deputy Leising. “She’s the embodiment of what every officer should be.”

Senator Stafsholt spoke after Mayor Kletscher and thanked everyone for the opportunity to speak at the dedication. He said the memorial highway will preserve Deputy Leising’s memory.

“Future generations will not forget Katie,” said Senator Stafsholt.

Senator Stafsholt said that while he was working on the bill to create the memorial highway, he learned that State Highway 128 was already a memorial highway for the 128th Infantry. He contacted Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Paul Knapp and asked if the highway could also be a memorial to Deputy Leising. General Knapp said it would be an honor to do so, said Senator Stafsholt.

In January the Wisconsin State Senate passed the bill to designate the highway and in February the State Assembly passed it. Governor Tony Evers signed the bill on April 4 making the creation of the Deputy Kaitie Leising Memorial Highway official.

Command Sergeant Major Curtis Patrouille of the Wisconsin Army National Guard also spoke at the event. He gave a brief history of the 128th Infantry saying that they were pretty infamous and continue to be so. He said law enforcement officers have a lot in common with the military and he was glad the highway was able to be co-dedicated for the 128th Infantry and Deputy Leising.

During his speech he presented a challenge coin to Deputy Leising’s widow Courtney Leising. He said challenge coins are given to members of the military to recognize achievements, commemorate important events or show appreciation.

“This is a proud day for the citizens of St. Croix County and surrounding communities,” concluded Sergeant Major Patrouille.