"None of us thought twice:" Sheriff's deputies honored for quick thinking, taking action

OZAUKEE COUNTY (WITI) -- Three Ozaukee County Sheriff's Deputies are being honored for their quick thinking during a dangerous domestic situation.

On the evening of February 7th, Grafton police were dispatched to a home at the corner of Spring St. and N. 11th. They say 31-year-old Joseph Damrow was inside -- intoxicated and armed.

"Once the officers arrived, the gunfire began. And without regard for their safety, all five of these officers entered that residence to try and protect the victim," said Ozaukee County Sheriff Jim Johnson.

Damrow shot a 31-year-old woman in the leg. Her life was saved and so was the life of the man accused -- thanks to the quick decisions made by officers.

"We do a lot of active shooter training and like I said, our training took over and none of us thought twice," said Jaimie Byrnes.

Three deputies have now received "The Sheriff's Gold Coin" for their actions. In addition, Deputies Becky Swanson and Deputy Nicholas Depies also received the department's life-saving award. All were honored on Monday, February 16th at the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office.

"It's hard for me to express exactly what it means to get something like that, but it's an honor," said Deputy Depies.

Sheriff Johnson says the situation was tense and life threatening to everyone involved.

"We were in the right spot at the right place that day. What happened is just what we've gone through in training and what we have been trained to do," said Deputy Swanson.

Damrow has been charged with multiple criminal counts. Deputies say the woman shot in this incident is recovering.

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