Post Messenger Recorder -

On Monday, August 26, 2019, the New Glarus Area EMS arranged for the family members involved in a horrific accident in March of 2019 and the first responders who answered the call to get together. The last time many of the responders saw the family was on that March morning, making the gathering an emotional event.

On March 8, 2019, at approximately 5:49 a.m., the Green County Sheriff's Department was notified of accident on STH 69, between Monticello and New Glarus. The accident involved a family in an SUV and semi.

The family of Gerald and Nancy Heimann, along with Gerald's father Kenneth C. Heimann and six kids ranging from age 5 to 16, were heading to the Girls State Basketball tournament to watch the Black Hawk team compete, when the accident happened.

One of the first on the scene of the accident was Monticello Fire Captain Ron Blumer, who was on his way to work as a fire instructor at MATC. There was fuel leaking from the SUV so Blumer and other bystanders began helping those still in the vehicle to get out. Blumer also then helped one victim who was no longer breathing to start breathing again. These actions assisted the responding units in preventing the loss of a life.

Green County Deputies, along with fire departments from New Glarus and Monticello, were dispatched to the scene of the accident. First responders from Dane, Green and Lafayette Counties were called and all worked together to care for the injured patients.

EMS services from New Glarus, Monroe, Albany, Belleville, Blanchardville, Brooklyn and Fitchburg were sent to the accident.

With so many injured and so many agencies called to assist, first responders worked as a team to get the injured stabilized and transported, and to keep everyone working there safe as well.

During the event on Monday night, first responders posed for a large group photo with some of the equipment.

New Glarus Area EMS Chief Kristie Mueller presented Ron Blumer with an Award of Recognition that read, in part, "To Ron Blumer whose quick thinking and swift action saved lives March 8, 2019."

Chief Mueller also noted that Green County Sheriff's Department Dispatcher Meagan Christen's poise and calmness were greatly appreciated by all responding units.

Sue Moen

Following the photo and the award everyone returned to the New Glarus Area EMS station for a cookout.

Nancy Heimann spoke to the group, first thanking everyone for all of their help. She said, "Without all of you giving up your time, some of us wouldn't be alive."

Nancy gave some details on everyone's condition. Despite everything they have gone through, Nancy said she felt blessed that everyone is doing well. Some are still going to therapy after having broken bones, surgeries and cuts and bruises. But as she pointed out, it could and nearly was so much worse.

First responders said they were so grateful for the opportunity to meet and talk to the family and see the positive outcome.