Sikh Temple shooting anniversary brings remembrance, recognition

OAK CREEK (WITI) -- We're just a few days away from the anniversary of the mass shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

On August 5th, 2012, a gunman walked into the temple, killing six people and wounding three others.

On Friday, August 1st, members of the community began four days of memorials for those killed in the shooting. They're reciting the Sikh Holy Book for 48 hours.

On Saturday, there will be a memorial walk -- and a remembrance ceremony will be held on Tuesday.

"We have to keep the memory fresh, the victims who died here and what they did for us," said temple member Harpreet Singh. "It's very important, I can't stress that enough."

Two police officers who were first on the scene are also receiving recognition in a big way. Lt. Brian Murphy and Officer Sam Lenda are being presented with a Congressional Badge of Bravery.

"This is a very high honor. It's amazing," said Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards. "It's pretty hard to put into words."

Lt. Murphy was the first officer on the scene. He was shot 17 times.

"When Brian was laying there bleeding, his thought was with his officers and the people in the temple," said Edwards.

Officer Lenda arrived for backup, fired shots at the shooter and brought and end to the rampage.

"He did everything you would ask an officer to do, didn't miss a beat, didn't have to stop and go 'what's happening here?' He just acted," said Edwards.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery is one of the highest that can be received for law enforcement.

"They're true heroes for that day and what they did," said Edwards.

The badges will be awarded on Wednesday, August 6th at the Oak Creek Community Center.