Emotions were running high in Appleton Common Council chambers Wednesday night, as police formally thank two good Samaritans for rushing to help a police officer.
You'll recall, on May 28th the Maltbey brothers--Andrew, and younger brother Nicholas--helped officer Stephanie Wiener as she struggled with a robbery suspect.
Both Andrew and Officer Wiener were shot before the suspect took his own life.
Police say tonight was the first public opportunity the Maltbey brothers and Officer Wiener have had to meet since May's incident. And tonight's honor is something the brothers are taking humbly, and very seriously.
In a chamber filled with Appleton police officers, city leaders, and family members, brothers Andrew and Nicholas are receiving praise from all angles.
"[We're] trying to get two very humble guys to get the recognition that they needed to get," says Sgt. David Lund, after the ceremony.
The brothers are receiving the Medal of Gallantry for putting their lives at risk, which police say is the highest civilian award they can give.
"Most of the time, what we see is people getting out with smart phones... and filming," says Lund, "or trying to... see what kind of video they can get."
It's been a long recovery for Andrew Maltbey, who was shot in the chest, and Officer Wiener, who was shot in the hip. But Lund says there are emotional and mental scars from the May incident that are still healing for everyone involved.
"They got out, and without thinking about their own personal safety... they went to the aid of someone else," says Lund.
"The action by the Maltbeys is a manifestation of that... deeper ethic that we have in Appleton," adds Mayor Tim Hanna, after the ceremony.
Hanna says the Maltbeys are a prime example of what helps make the Appleton Police Department stronger.
"The police department couldn't do what they do... and accomplish what they do... without the help of our citizens," says Hanna.
The Maltbey brothers and Officer Wiener declined interviews tonight. But Sgt. Lund says they're looking forward to eventually having Officer Wiener back on the force, in uniform.
