Responding to and
preventing crime. Looking for dangerous people in dangerous places. Arresting
drunk drivers before they kill others. It's what police officers do every day
to make a difference in our communities while serving and protecting others.
But what happens when a cop is powerless to save those who matter most? For 16
years, veteran Patrol Officer Mike Knetzger patrolled the streets of Titletown,
USA - Green Bay, Wisconsin. Like all cops, he believed in what he did, until
the night of June 3, 2008. His 18-year-old daughter, Ashley, was murdered by a
2,000 pound speeding bullet. While he was on the streets protecting others,
there was absolutely nothing Officer Knetzger could do to save Ashley's life.
This compelling, powerful, and emotionally impacting narrative will let you
ride along and discover how one girl changed a cop, a dad, a mom, a brother and
sister, an entire police department, and a culture. Ashley's Story has been
shared with over 20,000 high school and college students, police officers,
members of the armed forces, parent, and community groups. Ashley's Story is
changing lives and can change yours too.
This book is dedicated to Ashley’s memory. She was a difference maker and it’s our goal, through Ashley’s Story, to make a difference in Wisconsin and prevent drunk driving deaths. Unfortunately, Wisconsin ranks within the top five states for alcohol related problems and coddles first offense drunk drivers, regardless of how dangerous they are. A first offense drunk driver is merely issued a traffic citation (an ordinance violation – not a crime) with no risk of jail time or other sanctions except a license suspension or revocation. A first offense drunk driver, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic – more dangerous than a bullet fired from a gun – faces no risk of jail time, even though they would significantly endangered the lives of others. Attitudes towards drinking and driving need to change and we hope that Ashley’ Story can serve as an avenue of that change.
Copies of Ashley’s
Story are included with Mr. Knetzger’s emotionally impacting presentations.
Portions of the proceeds from Ashley’s
Story support a scholarship fund has been established in Ashley’s memory at
the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) Foundation. Ashley’s
scholarship benefits students each year who are pursuing nursing degrees. Ideal
students who receive this award exemplify high academics and service to the
community, just like Ashley did. Donations
can be sent directly to the NWTC Foundation, P.O. Box 19042, Green Bay, WI
54307-9042. All donations are tax deductible. Please note on
your check or money order that your donation should be directed to the, “Ashley
Knetzger Scholarship.”
Your $10.00 purchase of Ashley’s
Story also helps support her scholarship fund. Simply click here to order.