Wood County sheriff marks anniversary of Deputy Michael Shannon's death, highlights joint training

Sheriff Sean Becker recounted the 2003 shooting death of Deputy Michael Shannon from the Wisconsin Rapids area and described the multi-agency response that followed, saying the anniversary was a somber reminder of risks officers face.

Becker, who was part of the special response team that responded to the shooting, described arriving on scene, the suspect's armed confrontation and the decision to treat the cash and site as evidence. "Deputy Shannon was the first, deputy on scene... the suspect shot him, right above his, bulletproof vest," he said. Becker described coordinated planning among response teams, use of an armored vehicle to call the suspect out and canine units to apprehend him.

Becker said the suspect later shot at responding officers and feigned being shot when the Juneau County team returned fire; officers then arrested the suspect, who was convicted and later died in prison. Becker called the response an example of "organized chaos" that nevertheless succeeded in taking the suspect into custody without further loss of life.

Becker said the department's subsequent emphasis on joint training and sharing equipment has been important. He identified mutual-aid partners including the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Marsh Fields and Portage County, and said units now train monthly when schedules allow. "If we train together, we kind of really know what to expect," he said, noting the value of shared armored vehicles and pooled resources.

Becker said the training improves officer safety and community protection; no new policy or legislative action was announced during the interview.