FOX CROSSING, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Sunday marks five years since three people were shot and killed on the Trestle Trail Bridge in Fox Crossing.
"For me, I knew this was one of the worst days I think ever in my career," said Menasha Police Chief Tim Stkya during an interview last year about the incident.
The shooting happened May 3rd, 2015 when a gunman opened fire, killing three and injuring several others. The shooter killed Adam Bentdahl, 31 of Appleton, Jon Stoffel, 33 of Neenah, and Olivia Stoffel, 11 of Neenah.
Last year, Styka gave out nearly 100 "challenge coins" to those who responded to the tragedy to recognize them for their service. Styka said last year it was a way to pay memory to the victims and first responders.
Officer Dan Wiechman of the Fox Crossing Police Department says that all public service agencies that responded to the Trestle Trail still have vivid memories of the tragedies that occurred, even after five years.
"Similar to many other pivotal moments in history, I remember like many do, exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news of the events that took Adam Bentdahl, and Jon & Olivia Stoffel from family and friends far too soon," Officer Wiechman explains. "May 3rd is a moment that so many of us often reflect on. Officers can train for a situation like this, but once it unfolds in front of them, nothing can truly prepare you for all of the emotion that comes after it."
Officer Wiechman says he is thankful the surviving family members of this incident continue to keep their loved ones' memories alive. Such as Olivia's mom, Erin Stoffel, who started a locally celebrated holiday in memory of her daughter.
Every year on Olivia's birthday, Dec. 7, locals are asked to do a random act of kindness to commemorate her and others on the Trestle Trail that day.
