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Rusk County warden returned to duty and commended
News Release Published: November 25, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Randy Stark, DNR chief warden (608) 266-1115
MADISON – After external investigation and internal reviews into the pursuit of an armed bank robbery suspect on Oct 30, 2009, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank announced that DNR Conservation Warden Jeremy Peery has returned to duty as of November 20, 2009.
Per standard procedure, Warden Peery had been placed on paid administrative leave by the Department of Natural Resources pending investigation of the use of deadly force involving a suspect in the Exeland bank robbery. After the robbery, the suspect fled and a high speed chase ensued involving Rusk County Sheriff Department Deputies and Conservation Warden Peery. The suspect’s vehicle was forced off the road by a squad car west of Bruce on Hwy 8. During an exchange of gunfire, the robbery suspect, Rudolph P. Frenzer, was killed by officers returning gunfire.
The actions of the officers have been independently reviewed by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, the Chippewa County District Attorney Jon M. Theisen, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Brown County Use of Force review team, as well as an internal review by the Department of Natural Resources. The reviews concluded the actions of the law enforcement officers involved in the incident were lawful, justified, reasonable, and in accordance with respective departmental policies and training.
Frank said, “the actions taken on October 30 by Rusk County Sheriff Deputies Wallace and Kummet and DNR Conservation Warden Peery were exemplary and courageous. They acted decisively and with great professionalism during a time of extreme danger to themselves and to the public. The use of deadly force by law enforcement is extremely rare and is always a last resort, but the investigation found that it was necessary to protect the lives of the officers and the public.” Frank added, “we are proud of the actions of these brave professionals who put their lives on the line to protect public safety. I join Rusk County Sheriff David Kaminski in expressing our profound gratitude for their actions.”
Conservation Warden Peery is a 10-year veteran of DNR’s warden service and has 12 years of law enforcement experience. He is stationed in Ladysmith.
