State Representative Alex Joers presented the Wisconsin Hometown Hero Award to Detective Jill Tutaj from the
Middleton Police Department.
From Representative Joers:
Detective Jill Tutaj has invested in our community with 22 years of service to the Department. While she has demonstrated many heroic acts during her career, on April 11th she stepped up again to save the life of someone in need.
Shortly before 11:00 AM on that day, Detective Tutaj was on her way to work and traveling along County Highway M when
she observed a bicyclist down on the ground adjacent to the road. She immediately stopped to help the bicyclist, along with another passerby. They quickly discovered that the man had suffered a medical event and was pulseless and not breathing. Detective Tutaj and other citizens performed CPR for several minutes until EMS arrived and took over medical care. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he made a full recovery. It was the swift response and skill of Detective Tutaj that saved a neighbor’s life, something that any of us would hope to have the courage to attend to in that unlikely circumstance.
To me, a Hometown Hero not only inspires others to rise to the occasion to deliver lifesaving care, but also inspires the community to invest in the betterment of humankind. Throughout my time knowing Detective Tutaj, I’ve seen her dedication to our city. She has organized the Special Olympics Torch Run, our National Night Out, and Middleton Citizens Academy. She has been a Mental Health Liaison Officer, Community Awareness Officer, and one of my favorites, a Certified Car Seat Installer. I’ve seen her devotion to the youth of our community with a kind heart, as a caring role model.
Congratulations, Detective Tutaj!