On November 27th, City of Waukesha Police Officer Nick Hendriksen was the first on scene to a structure fire in an apartment building.
He and several other officers responded before the Fire Department arrived.
Using his pry bar to gain access to the building, he worked quickly to notify the residents, many of them unaware of the large fire, eventually going door to door, evacuating them as the fire continued to spread.
Hendriksen, a 10-year veteran of the Waukesha Police Department, understands the importance of a quick response, often without concern for his own safety.
“Recognizing that people’s lives are in danger, we have to do whatever we can to remove them from that situation and to a safe area. You never know when someone is going to need your help,” he said.
Hendriksen grew up in a family of law enforcement. His father was a sergeant with the New Berlin Police Department.
For his heroic work that day, Officer Hendriksen, and the other officers who responded, received the Police Chief’s Citation for Lifesaving.
His story, and the way he approaches his work in public safety, are the reasons why he’s one of our Salute to Service honorees.
To hear City of Waukesha Police Officer Nick Hendriksen’s story, listen above.
Steve Scaffidi’s Salute to Service is presented by WaterStone Bank and WTMJ.