On November 6, 2021 Officers from the Wauwatosa Police Department were investigating a shooting that had occurred inside a hotel. After several attempts to check on the welfare of people inside one of the rooms, officers forced entry and were fired upon by the occupant, who was armed with a 9mm handgun. The officers’ Safariland® PROTECH® Defender 1630 shield stopped one of the rounds. Sgt. Edward Tyurpak and Officer Matthew Martell were hit in areas unprotected by the shield but were able to stay in the fight. The Officer working the entry tool was also hit.
All officers have recovered and returned to full duty. The suspect surrendered at the scene and has been charged with multiple felonies.
We welcome Officer Matthew Martell, SAVE #2134, to The Safariland Group SAVES Club®.
