APPLETON — The family of fallen firefighter Mitch Lundgaard has issued a letter thanking the public for their support in the wake of Mitch's death.
Mitch Lundgaard was an Appleton firefighter who died back in May after authorities say a man named Ruben Houston exchanged gunfire with police. Mitch and other emergency crews were on the scene to treat Houston for an apparent overdose before Houston pulled out a gun and started firing. Houston died after the shooting.
Mitch was a husband and father of three. The community has rallied around Mitch's family since his tragic death. A GoFundMe has raised nearly $248,000 dollars for the Lundgaard family and a 9/11 organization has offered to pay off the mortgage for the Lundgaards' home. The Appleton Fire Department is also selling T-shirts to honor Mitch's memory.
Mitch Lundgaard was the first Appleton firefighter in 86 years to die in the line of duty.
The Lundgaard family's full statement can be read below:
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support from our friends, family and community during this extremely difficult time in our lives. It is hard to put into words how thankful we are for the love and support that has been shown to our family.
Due to the overwhelming generosity of this community, it is difficult to personally thank every single person or business that sent cards, gifts, food, donations, prayers, letters, and organized fundraisers. We have read every card, message and comment and find such hope and comfort in the kind words. The financial support truly helps ease that burden and provides the ability to focus all efforts on caring for the boys and helping them get through this nightmare.
Mitch was the most amazing husband and Daddy. He was the foundation of our family, he was everything to us and we miss him terribly. After learning the details of the events that occurred on that tragic day, we want to recognize and highlight the heroic efforts of Mitch’s fellow firefighters Steve Unruh and Troy Kinley, as well as Sgt. Christopher Biese, Officer Paul Christensen, and the Gold Cross paramedics on scene. There was a lot of bravery shown by all of these men that day, and we know they did everything they could for Mitch and to protect the community from additional harm.
The Appleton Fire Department has been incredible to our family. They have been there for us every step of the way, and we know they will continue to be a part of our lives forever. There is no way to properly thank them for everything they have done for all of us, but we are extremely grateful.
We are all lucky to have them protecting the city of Appleton. You all have made the hardest days of our live survivable and bearable. We are eternally grateful and will pay forward the love we have felt these last several weeks. We have seen firsthand how a community can truly come together and that LOVE really does WIN!
Our sincere thanks, Lindsey, Evan, Logan and Ryan Lundgaard
