This week’s FIRST RESPONDER is paramedic & firefighter Kyle Gluth of the Waukesha Fire Department.

Kyle’s wife, Melissa, said this about her husband:

“My husband is the most kind, caring, and thoughtful person I have ever met. Since he was little he had dreamt of becoming a firefighter. His dream became reality when he became a firefighter/paramedic at the young age of 21. He now currently works on the City of Waukesha Fire Department.

Kyle is involved in the Special Services team as well, and is always willing to go above and beyond to learn and gain more knowledge. He puts his heart into every single call and patient he encounters. Most of all, he is the best father and husband because he remembers that family comes first and loves us unconditionally. For these reasons, I am proud to say that I am his wife and proud to be a part of the fire family.”

Thank you for your nomination, Melissa, and thank you, Kyle, for your dedication to family, and courage and brave service to the residents, business owners and visitors of Waukesha.

The Packing House Restaurant and Wiken family are honored to support our communities’ law enforcement and first responders. 🇺🇸

If you would like to nominate a first responder for FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY please send a message to our Facebook page or e-mail info@packinghousemke.com

Pictured: Kyle Gluth with his son, Landon.

This week’s FIRST RESPONDER is Officer Chad Andersen of the Racine Police Department. The individual who nominated Officer Andersen had plenty of praise:

“Officer Andersen works in the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit in Racine. He works out of the Styberg Community Policing House in Racine serving as an ambassador to the north side neighborhood around the community policing house and local schools—he has coordinated National Night Out events for the community for several years now establishing a fun and safe community event for all.

Officer Andersen goes above and beyond in providing community education sessions on active shooter response training. He frequently is in and around local Racine schools and is a positive role model. He coordinated a very large “Welcome Back to School” event this past fall at Gilmore Fine Arts for all the children being greeted back to school with teachers, principals, and even the Mayor of Racine!

Adding to his deserving reasons Officer Andersen works persons on probation or parole and affords them positive feedback and supportive advice, an effort that nurtures a much better relationship with law enforcement for those that may have had legal problems previously.”

Thank you, Officer Andersen, for your courage, dedication and brave service to the residents, business owners and visitors of Racine.

The Packing House Restaurant and Wiken family are honored to support our communities’ law enforcement and first responders. 🇺🇸

If you would like to nominate a first responder for FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY please send a message to our Facebook page or e-mail info@packinghousemke.com

Pictured: Officer Andersen at a “Shop With A Cop” Christmas event

This week’s FIRST RESPONDER is Matthew Dean. Matthew’s wife, Amy, nominated Matthew, saying:
“Matt has worked as a firefighter/EMT at the 128th Airlift Wing for the past 16 years. We have been married for 16 years and have a 13 year old son.

Last year Matt had a stroke while on duty at the age of 37. He was unable to speak or have the use of his right arm. He spent 5 days in the intensive care unit at St. Luke’s Medical Center and another 2 days at St. Luke’s South Shore. He was extremely fortunate to make a full recovery and return to work after six weeks. Then over the summer he had some additional medical testing that determined that a hole in his heart had caused the stroke. He had to go back to St. Luke’s Medical Center for a procedure to fix the hole in his heart. After a short recovery period he was able to go back to work at the fire house without any restrictions.

The reason why I am nominating him is because it takes A LOT of courage to overcome a very scary medical condition. He is truly a miracle. Even though having the stroke was very scary for him it changed his life for the better.”

Thank you, Matthew, for your courage, dedication and brave service as a firefighter for the 128th.
The Packing House Restaurant and Wiken family are honored to support our communities’ law enforcement and first responders. 🇺🇸

If you would like to nominate a first responder for FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY please send a message to our Facebook page or e-mail info@packinghousemke.com

Pictured: Matthew, his son, Dominic, and his wife, Amy.

Each week we recognize and thank a local first responder nominated by you, guests of The Packing House Restaurant—the first responders receive a complimentary dinner at the restaurant, a small token of our appreciation for their service.

This week’s FIRST RESPONDER is Pat Cornell (pictured in the red helmet participating in a 9/11 Memorial Climb), a volunteer firefighter with the Big Bend Fire Department—Pat just marked 30 years of service and he’s still is going strong, according to his wife, Debi.

“If Pat sees an emergency situation, doesn't matter where it is, he stops immediately to assist whoever is in need. Being married to him, I know that in our travels we may not get to places on time because of his dedication to helping others. It makes me proud that he chose me as his side-kick as I jump right in with him. Our life has been very fulfilling and eventful, and I wouldn't change a thing. Pat even went to New York after the Towers came down to assist in recovery.”

Thank you, Pat, for your brave and dedicated service to the Big Bend community, and congratulations on reaching 30 years of service!

The Packing House Restaurant and Wiken family is honored to support our communities’ law enforcement and first responders. 🇺🇸

If you would like to nominate a first responder for FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY please send a message to our Facebook page or e-mail info@packinghousemke.com

Today kicks off FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY in which we recognize, honor and thank a local first responder nominated by guests of The Packing House Restaurant. Each week we will recognize and thank a local first responder who will receive a gift certificate to enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the restaurant.

Our inaugural FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY recipient is St. Francis Police Officer Dimitri Kamolov who was nominated by Joan Tice, whose husband passed away unexpectedly at home in February 2018—Officer Kamolov was among the initial first responders to arrive at the Tice residence; as Mrs. Tice explains:

“Officer Kamolov came into our house, first comforting me, second checked on our children and other family members, and lastly went to be with Tim. He stayed with Tim for what seemed like hours, until his body could be removed from our home and be taken care of by other personnel. How all of this happened and came together I have no idea as I was in shock but I do know Officer Kamolov made numerous phone calls to the medical examiner, funeral home, etc. to take care of this burden for us in a time when I didn't even know what was happening. My family is eternally grateful for that.

While I may be the one to nominate Officer Kamolov, I am sure I am not the only one he has done this for. It has been said that is it part of the job, and indeed it very well may be, but the human aspect of it does take its toll and for Officer Kamolov to do this for my husband who was also a dear friend of his, with such professionalism and compassion, makes him very deserving of this nomination.
Our city will surely miss Officer Kamolov as he is retiring in April. I think this would be a great honor for him as a small token of appreciation from a truly grateful citizen.”

Officer Kamolov has served the St. Francis community for nearly 27 years as an officer, wearing many hats including as senior accident investigator, senior community resource officer, Honor guard member and other responsibilities. Officer Kamolov looks back on his service to St. Francis, saying:

“I grew up in a family where my mother was a nurse and my father was a Federal Agent for the Defense Department. We have always been church goers and involved in our church family. I guess I was destined to be in some sort of service to the community. Over the many years, I have seen much change in our community along with the outlook toward law enforcement in general. I have tried to make my contacts with people as positive as possible, but still do my job in enforcing law and order. One of my other jobs is to be the liaison with the businesses in the city. I’ve made some close relationships with business managers and owners over the years. I can also say that some people from the community have become close friends. It has been an honor to have served the City of St. Francis for all of these years and I take pride in those that I have touched in some type of positive encounter. I’m not one of those people that like to have the lime light, but I do appreciate it when someone just says, “Thank you.” I knew I wasn’t going to save the world, but making a difference in one person’s life can be rewarding.”

Very humble words.

Please remember to say “Thank You” to first responders when you see them—as you heard from Officer Kamolov, it means a lot to them.

Thank you, Officer Kamolov, for your service to the residents and business owners of the St. Francis community and Best Wishes upon your coming retirement!

The Packing House Restaurant and Wiken family is honored to support our communities’ law enforcement and first responders. 🇺🇸

If you would like to nominate a first responder for FIRST RESPONDER FRIDAY e-mail info@packinghousemke.com

Milwaukee Police Officer Charles G. Irvine, Jr. died on June 7, 2018, while serving the residents of the City of Milwaukee.

Our fundraiser for the official Charles G. Irvine, Jr. Memorial Fund raised $2,786. With a personal contribution by the Wiken family, the grand total raised was $3,000.

We will always remember Officer Irvine for his bravery, commitment to duty, and sacrifice.

On March 23, 2018 The Packing House Restaurant held a fundraiser to support Fisher House Wisconsin in honor of Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz. Ziggy died on the job as a City of Milwaukee Housing Inspector on March 22, 2017. Last year The Packing House Restaurant held a fundraiser that raised more than $3,500 to benefit Ziggy's wife, Ola, and family.

This year we honored Ziggy's memory with a fundraiser to benefit an organization dear to him—Fisher House Wisconsin. Ziggy was an Army veteran. The Packing House donated $1 for each fish fry sold today--we raised $1,470 in Ziggy's memory.

Money raised for Fisher House benefit the families of veterans receiving care at the Milwaukee VA Hospital. For example, someone who lives far away can stay free of charge while their loved one is receiving care.

We truly appreciate our customers' and community's support. Thank you!

Greg Zyszkiewicz, a resident of Milwaukee’s south side, was senselessly and tragically taken from his family and friends last week as he performed his job as a City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services Special Enforcement Agent.

By all accounts, Greg was a extraordinary family man, married to his wife, Ola, for 40 years. Greg was passionately dedicated to the happiness of his children and grandchildren. With each new story we read, we learn more about this amazing man—a U.S. Army veteran, past Scout master, multi-talented handyman, avid marathon and endurance athlete including two summits of Pikes Peak and in addition to his City job he continued a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel delivery route for 20 years to fund family vacations.

In honor of Greg’s amazing life, The Packing House Restaurant donated $1 for each fish fry sold throughout the day on Friday, March 31, to a fund set up to help the Zyszkiewicz family. Together with our generous customers we raised more than $3,000.

“Greg was a selfless, unforgettable, charismatic and humble man who will be deeply missed.” (from Greg’s obituary)

The Packing House was honored to serve a complimentary fish fry lunch today to members of the Milwaukee Police Department at the Department's 6th District office on S. 27th Street.

Thank you, officers, for your brave service to our community and Merry Christmas to you and your families! #HeartOfMilwaukee

The Packing House Restaurant was honored to serve a "Heart of Milwaukee" complimentary fish fry lunch today to the great staff at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin!

Packing House GM Chris Wiken and Executive Chef Marie Schroeder delivered the lunch to the beautifully decorated Ronald McDonald House and were treated to a tour of the facilities by President/CEO Ann Petrie (left) and Development Director Bridget Kesner (right).

Thank you to the staff of Ronald McDonald House for all you do for sick kids and their families! For more information on the House visit http://rmhcmilwaukee.org/

Packing House's "Heart of Milwaukee”—recognizing those making positive contributions to our community—returned today with a visit to the Wisconsin Humane Society, where the staff enjoyed a complimentary fish fry lunch!

The Packing House has been a supporter of the Humane Society including being a member of the "Homers 4 Hank" team in 2014. For more information click the event's Facebook link or visit www.wihumane.org

The Packing House took our "Heart Of Milwaukee" to visit the Cudahy Fire Department yesterday, a week after their heroic acts saved the life of a student at Cudahy Middle School--a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to all of our communities' first responders!

"Heart Of Milwaukee" recognizes those organizations, non-profits, businesses and individuals making a positive contribution to the greater Milwaukee community; it also delivers complimentary Friday Fish Fries as a token of our thanks.

Our "Heart Of Milwaukee" visited the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin today, delivering complimentary Friday Fish Fries for the Chamber's staff.

The AACCW's mission is to improve the economic development of business entrepreneurs in the communities they serve. The AACCW serves as the corner stone for educational training, resource programs and economic growth opportunities. We applaud and thank the AACCW for their efforts and positive contributions to the community!

The Packing House's "Heart Of Milwaukee" paid a visit today to the great folks at Schlossmann's Subaru City of Milwaukee--Schlossman's recently donated a 2015 Subaru WRX to the Milwaukee Police Department, a vehicle you can see on display at the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show at the end of the month!

The Packing House served up complimentary Friday Fish Fries to the Schlossmann's staff as a thank you for their donation to MPD and their support of our community.

Pictured: The Packing House's GM Chris Wiken (far left), Schlossman's Subaru City GM Bruce Larsen (middle, suit & tie), The Packing House's Executive Chef Nick Scheeler (far right) and members of the Schlossman staff.

The Packing House's "Heart Of Milwaukee" visited the office of the Alzheimer's Association-Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter today, recognizing their staff for their work to help those in Wisconsin facing Alzheimer's and dementia. The staff was rewarded with a complimentary Fish Fry lunch presented by our Executive Chef Nick Scheeler (far left) and GM Chris Wiken (red tie).

Each week "Heart Of Milwaukee" recognizes individuals or groups making a positive impact in the Milwaukee community and provides them Milwaukee's Best Fish Fry (complimentary of course) for lunch; for more information on Alzheimer's and dementia visit http://www.alz.org/sewi/

Our "Heart Of Milwaukee" recognized Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure today, serving complimentary Friday Fish Fries to its staff and administration.

The Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated breast cancer survivors, breast health professionals, and other women of vision. In addition to funding breast cancer research, the Affiliate has awarded over $4 million dollars to community organizations and local hospitals to empower medically under-served women in southeastern Wisconsin through education, screening and treatment programs.

Thank you, Susan Komen of Southeast Wisconsin, for your dedication to the good health of women in our community!

It was our honor to welcome World War II veterans participating in tomorrow's Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to The Packing House this evening; approximately one dozen veterans were treated to a complimentary Fish Fry.

The Packing House has pledged to serve complimentary Fish Fries to Honor Flight participants in 2015 and beyond as a token of our appreciation for our veterans' sacrifice and service to our country; we are so grateful to welcome them, hear their stories, experience their excitement for their Flights to Washington DC, to see their families' pride, to see these veterans as the courageous young men who fought for our nation and its principles of freedom and democracy.

The Packing House was honored to be joined this evening by veterans participating in tomorrow's Honor Flight to Washington D.C.; the veterans' Fish Fries were provided complimentary by The Packing House, a small token of our great appreciation for their service to America. God Bless our Veterans.

We were honored to recognize and thank Waukesha-based Flight For Life Transport System today with our "Heart Of Milwaukee" program which delivered the team complimentary Friday Fish Fries.

Flight For Life is celebrating 30 years of providing safe, efficient, high quality patient care and transportation. Thank you, Flight For Life Transport System; we applaud you for your work which has saved the lives of countless Wisconsinites!

Pictured: Flight for Life team with The Packing House's Executive Chef Nick Scheeler (fourth from left) and GM Chris Wiken (far right).

With our "Heart Of Milwaukee" program yesterday we were honored to recognize and thank the team at BloodCenter of Wisconsin for their vital work! This BCW group had just celebrated "Donor Recruitment Professionals Day" which acknowledges the critical role blood donor recruiters play in helping to ensure safe blood is available to patients in need. The 25 staff in the BCW's Donor Recruitment office were treated to a complimentary Friday Fish Fry lunch from The Packing House!

For information on how and where you can donate blood visit the BCW Facebook page or visit their website at: https://www.bcw.edu/bcw/index.htm