Wausau honors long‑time emergency volunteer Frank Schulke; officer recommended for valor award

Chief Matt Barnes told the Wausau Common Council on Feb. 24 that Major Frank Schulke, a 40‑year member of the Wausau Emergency Police Unit, died Feb. 23 after a long period of health challenges. "When Wausau came together, Frank was there," Barnes said, describing Schulke’s decades of volunteer service at parades, festivals and other community events.

Barnes said the department had drafted a resolution to confer the title of "major emeritus" on Schulke in recognition of his service and that a fellow unit member had read the resolution to him in the hospital before he died. "We extend our deepest condolences to Frank's family and loved ones," Barnes said.

In the same presentation, Barnes described a Dec. 27, 2025 response to a structure fire on Fleming Street in which an officer entered a smoky residence and pulled a woman to safety. Barnes said the woman later died from her injuries, but the officer’s actions gave her family "several precious days to spend with her." The department’s awards committee recommended the officer for the department’s "award of valor," which Barnes said he supported; the officer is also expected to receive the Wisconsin Professional Police Officers Association Valor Award in April.

The council observed the remarks and recognized the volunteer and the officer’s actions. No formal council action on the resolution was recorded at the public meeting; the department said it had prepared a resolution to honor Schulke.