A Community United in Gratitude After a 38-Hour Stand-Off in Fredonia, WI

A few weeks ago, the quiet community of Fredonia, WI, found itself in the national spotlight when a 38-hour standoff with an armed and barricaded individual unfolded in a residential neighborhood. The incident tested the resilience of the town, locking down homes and unsettling families as law enforcement and first responders worked with patience, discipline, and care to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion.

Thanks to the skillful and methodical response by first responders, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported—a remarkable outcome for a situation fraught with danger and uncertainty.

In the wake of this traumatic event, St. John Lutheran Church in Fredonia became a place of both action and healing. During the incident, the church served as a staging area for drone teams and first responders, offering space, shelter, and support. In the days following, it became a sanctuary once again—this time for spiritual and emotional healing. During Sunday worship, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs and Care Teams were present to help the community begin its journey toward recovery.

Recognizing the extraordinary effort and sacrifice of those involved, the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) ministry team from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, WI, mobilized to say “thank you” in a meaningful way.

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Honoring the Helpers
The HMC team visited three critical partners in the response effort, presenting hand-crafted Hearts of Mercy & Compassion as symbols of appreciation, prayer, and encouragement.

St. John Lutheran Church – Fredonia, WI
Welcomed by Pastor Marshal Frisque (center), the team presented a heart to St. John’s congregation for their leadership and compassion during and after the crisis.

St. John was more than a church—it was a hub of coordination and calm in the storm. The presentation recognized the congregation’s role in extending God’s peace amid turmoil.

Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office
With Pastor Frisque, the team visited the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, where they met Sheriff Christy Knowles, members of the Special Response Team, and several Deputies. The heart presentation honored their brave service, decisive leadership, and tireless work in resolving the standoff safely. Their presence brought assurance and structure during a chaotic time, and the team was blessed to thank them in person.

Fredonia Fire Department
The final stop was the Fredonia Fire Department, where Fire Chief Brian Weyker received a heart on behalf of his team. In addition to active support on the ground, the department’s station served as a staging site for assisting agencies.

Chief Weyker shared how moved they were by the outpouring of community support—from donated meals to kind words—that sustained them throughout the ordeal.

Pastor Frisque closed the visit with a moving prayer, highlighting how the Fire Department’s peaceful resolution reflected God's mercy and justice. He drew powerful imagery from Scripture, likening the incident to biblical acts of deliverance—turning potential destruction into an opportunity for hope and healing.

A Prayer for First Responders
“We give You heartfelt thanks for the Fredonia Fire Department—for their courageous service, wise assistance, and steady hand... Through their effort, the suspect was drawn out, and no lives were lost. We see in this moment a reflection of Your mercy and justice.”
— Excerpt from Pastor Frisque’s prayer

A Grateful Community
The gratitude shared by Pastor Frisque, the Sheriff's Office, and the Fire Department was humbling and heartfelt. Their humility, strength, and grace stood as a testimony to the power of community and faith in difficult times.
To all those who serve--in ministry, law enforcement, fire departments, and every role in between—thank you. Your work does not go unnoticed. We lift you in prayer and stand with you in gratitude.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Help Us Share God’s Mercy—One Heart at a Time

When crisis strikes, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion is there—bringing hope, healing, and heartfelt thanks to those who serve and suffer.

Whether it's honoring first responders, comforting grieving families, or supporting communities in distress, your gift makes a difference. Each handcrafted heart is a symbol of God’s love and presence in times of hardship.

Donate today and help us continue to deliver compassion, prayer, and encouragement wherever it’s needed most. Every dollar helps us lift hearts, one act of mercy at a time.

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