Law enforcement families form group
By Holly Neumann
A non-profit organization aims to support and connect spouses, companions and families of law enforcement.
SOLE – Spouses of Law Enforcement of Waupaca County recognizes the common values and experiences shared among officers and their families.
“The stress our law enforcement and their families are encountering today is beyond anything imaginable,” said Sandie Wilz, president of SOLE. “We wanted to form a community that will provide support, welfare and education to spouses and families of law enforcement officers.”
“Our purpose is to enhance the life of our members which will in turn play an important role in the health and well-being of our officers on and off duty,” added Alisha Wiskirchen, vice president. “By understanding the challenges faced by law enforcement families we aim to strengthen and inspire our communities to come together as one.”
Being a part of this group creates a sense of community and ease of mind.
“Not only does SOLE represent spouses of law enforcement, it also means no spouse is ever alone,” said Wilz. “SOLE means we all walk in the same shoes.”
According to Wilz, in today’s climate, with social media and public ridicule, law enforcement agencies are finding less individuals willing to protect and serve their communities.
“As families of law enforcement officers we feel part of our missions is to support individuals interested in law enforcement careers with financial assistance with scholarships,” she said.
Their first administrative and scholarship fundraiser is Sole’s for SOLE, where they will collect all types of gently worn, used and new sneakers, boots, dress shoes, sandals, athletic and casual shoes.
“We want them all,” said Wiskirchen. “We are collecting shoes until Oct. 15.”
At the end of the collection drive the shoes will be given to an organization called Funds2Org and SOLE will be given dollars based on how many pounds of shoes are collected.
“These shoes are then shipped to micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations who sell the shoes in their communities to help lift themselves out of poverty,” said Wilz. “A portion of the funds collected will help SOLE start off our law enforcement scholarship for those individuals who are entering the law enforcement field.”
Drop off locations for shoes
• Spine and Sport Physical Therapy, 1948 Godfrey Drive, Waupaca;
• Eastling Insurance Services, 334 S. Bridge St,, Manawa;
Longevity, 201 S Pearl St,, New London;
Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, 1402 Royalton St., Waupaca.
“We are so proud to be law enforcement officer’s families,” said Wiskirchen. “We invite our communities to follow us on Facebook and support SOLE of Waupaca County. Law enforcement spouses reach out to SOLE. We are here for you.”
Membership of SOLE is available through soleofwaupacacounty.org and is open to all Waupaca County law enforcement department spouses of active and retired officers.
This includes spouses of sheriff, police, deputies, detectives, corrections, dispatch, records, DNR wardens, any administrative positions and specialized units of law enforcement agencies, as well as significant others who have been in a committed relationship of no less than two years.