Cedarburg explosion critically injures police lieutenant and his father

CEDARBURG - An explosion in the Town of Cedarburg critically injured a police lieutenant and his father on Saturday morning, July 25. A dog was also injured.

What we know:

According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews responded to reports of an explosion near Brandt Drive and Pleasant Valley Road at around 11:48 a.m. First responders arrived to a large amount of black smoke.

A 54-year-old man and an 82-year-old man, both from Cedarburg, were taken to a hospital in Milwaukee with critical injuries. A dog was also injured and taken to an animal hospital.

The outbuilding was a total loss.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it was determined to be accidental. Investigators believe a propane tank may have contributed to the explosion.
 

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Cedarburg Fire Department, Ozaukee Central Fire Department, Port Washington Fire Department, Fredonia Fire Department, Southern Ozaukee Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department, Menomonee Falls Fire Department, Cedarburg Police Department, Germantown Fire Department, West Bend Fire Department, Waubeka Fire Department, Hartford Fire Department, Richfield Fire Department, Newburg Fire Department, Grafton Police Department and WE Energies.

Victims identified

The two victims have been identified as Lieutenant Michael Foeger and his father, Karl Foeger.

Michael Foeger has a long-standing 30-year career in law enforcement. He is currently a police lieutenant with the Village of Jackson. He also served as the chief of police at the Newburg Police Department for 10 years and still serves there part-time. His brothers in blue say he has an infectious laugh, and is a positive, genuinely nice man.

"It is hitting everyone pretty hard, I think," said Justin Jilling, Newburg Chief of Police. "Up in Washington County in general, we have a very tight-knit law enforcement community, and everybody knows everybody."

"He represents the best part of what the badge means and that is to serve your community, be involved in your community and that is Mike," said Matt Rohlinger, Kettle Moraine Fraternal Order of Police president.

Jackson Police Department posted the following message on their Facebook:

"Lt. Foeger is a nearly 30-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department and previously served for 10 years as Chief of the Newburg Police Department. Throughout his career, Mike has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others."

Gofundme campaign

A Gofundme has been set up for the Foeger family.

NewsCedarburg