Dear Lawrence Community,
Appleton received a heartbreaking loss last week with the death of Firefighter Mitchell Lundgaard, a 14-year veteran of the Appleton Fire Department and the first to be killed in the line of duty since 1933. Firefighter Lundgaard was one of the responders to a medical call at the Valley Transit Center in Appleton on May 15. This event escalated and was the cause of last week’s LU Alert.
Mitch was a member of the firehouse that serves Lawrence University. He was a regular presence on our campus, responding to medical calls, fire alarms, and participating in routine safety inspections. Many of us on campus knew him as a colleague or simply remember seeing him during his visits to campus. We join our friends and colleagues at Station 1 and the entire Appleton Fire Department in mourning his loss. We also hold all those effected by this tragic incident in our thoughts.
For members of the Lawrence community who would like to discuss this event with someone, please reach out to Counseling Services, the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, or contact Human Resources to connect with Employee Assistance Program resources. A funeral procession will take place beginning at 1 P.M. today, and will pass nearest to campus at the corner of Drew and Atlantic Streets near the fire station. A public visitation will be held from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M. at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Boulevard, and an ecumenical community prayer gathering will also be held this evening in City Park at 7:30 P.M.
Please join me in honoring Firefighter Mitch Lundgaard, a dedicated community servant and an extended member of the Lawrence family.
Yours,
Mark