Lake Country This Month

By Karen Pilarski Freeman Staff PEWAUKEE — Eli Hansen wore a miniature policeman's uniform as he walked through the Pewaukee Police Department's parking lot. The 4-year's smile deflected the image of the oxygen tube taped to his nose and cheek. His squad consisted of his parents and four siblings: Owen, Abby, Ella and Alex Hansen. By mid-morning Aug. 31, his squad grew to include members of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and Pewaukee Police Depart- ment, who were on hand to cheer on the pint-size officer. Eli previously told his mom, Jamie Hansen, that he wanted to be a police officer when he is older. She was inspired to do something about her little boy's wish after he had several months of intensive cancer treatments. Jamie Hansen put a post on social media a week ago, ask- ing for help in arranging for police officers to visit with her son. The Pewaukee com- munity started giving her names and numbers within an hour. Eli's father, Chris Hansen, said the other kids knew about the surprise ahead of time and were excited to be part of the festivities. Pewaukee Police Officer Nathan Wright's son went to school with Eli. "Every kid deserves a day like today, but I'm happy he is healthy enough to enjoy this," Wright said. In Wright's opinion, police departments are very giving places and if they can do something good for the com- munity, they will. Officers from the Sheriff's Depart- ment and Pewaukee smiled as Eli walked by. The Hansen family over- came a significant struggle three years ago, when Jamie beat breast cancer. But anoth- er arose for them in April, when Eli was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. 'I wanted to brighten his day' This was a perfect time to surprise him as he was not in the hospital and was feeling good. In the fall Eli will be in the hospital for a long stay, Jamie Hansen said. "I wanted to brighten his day and let him see what the guys do," she said. Eli was mesmerized by all the equipment and people in uniforms. "I like the shiny badge," he said. His eyes lit up when he saw the police motorcycles and dive team's boat. A smile broke out on his face as he played with the boat's steer- ing wheel. "The community has been great, we feel so much sup- port from our neighbors, our church and the Pewaukee School District," Chris Hansen said. Jamie Hansen said although Eli had been feeling grumpy that morning, he was excited when he heard he was coming to the police department. Putting a smile on his face During the morning, Eli was shown the Sheriff's Department's equipment from the search and recovery dive team, K-9 unit, motorcy- cle unit and the village's police department. Officers from the various units gave him gifts such as a scuba mask, a remote control police car, T-shirt and a hat with his name on it. Pewaukee Police Detective Craig Drummy pre- sented Eli with a challenge coin, which signifies commu- nity pride and fellowship. Inside the police station, Eli was given a tour and offered juice boxes and a box of doughnuts. "This is your special day," said Drummy. Sheriff's Department Lt. Thom Moerman was happy to give Eli a good morning. "Most of us have kids and it tugs at our hearts to see a lit- tle kid and his family go through this," Moerman said. Email: kpilarski@conleynet.com I.d. brings new identity to Delafield Lake Country T H I S M O N T H INSIDE PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WAUKESHA, WI PERMIT NO. 3 2 5 1 4 2 9 0 0 6 See how great we are and you will certainly want the unlimited plan. 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Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaukeshaFreeman Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WaukeshaFreeman The FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE SEPTEMBER 2016 Page 1B Barbara Eash antiques column Page 4A Charles Auer/Freeman Staff Eli Hansen is all smiles as he gets to try out the controls of the Waukesha Sheriff's Department Dive Team boat. ELI'S SUPER SQUAD Chenequa • Delafield • Hartland • Merton • Nashotah • Okauchee • Pewaukee How to get YOUR news into Lake Country This Mont h We want your community news! We will publish the happenings at your schools and community groups — as well as everyday items and we need your help to get these announcements and pictures published. Submissions must be typed or emailed. No handwritten submissions will be accept- ed. Please identify people in photos. Please send news items and photos to: news@conleynet.com Law enforcement surprises young cancer patient

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