Hometown Heroes: Rick & Penny: The Voices Behind the Scanner

For Rick and his partner Penny, community service runs deep. Between fishing trips, family time with their dog, and spoiling their three grandchildren, the couple has spent years giving back to Fond du Lac in quiet but powerful ways.

Rick dedicated more than 30 years to healthcare, working as an emergency room nurse and paramedic, and spending 25 summers on the medical team at Road America in Elkhart Lake. His lifelong interest in scanners started when he was a child a fascination that later inspired the couple to create a local scanner page that connects the community and sheds light on the realities of law enforcement.

“I was amazed at all the different calls officers respond to,” Penny shared. “We wanted to build something transparent and respectful to help people understand what really happens while protecting those involved.”

Their page, now several years strong, has grown into a trusted local hub. During Suicide Prevention Month, they invited followers to honor loved ones lost to suicide; a moment that deeply moved the community and led to collaboration with City Crisis Worker Kim Miller to share mental health resources.

“There were so many powerful stories,” Penny recalled. “The messages we received reminded us how much impact one small action can have.”

Both lifelong locals, Rick has lived in Fond du Lac all his life, while Penny grew up in Rosendale and has called Fond du Lac home for over 30 years. Their love for the city shines through in everything they do.

“This is our city,” Penny said. “There’s good here, so many people who love and care about our town. If we focus on that light and build on it, everybody wins.”

They encourage residents to stay informed, communicate, and keep kindness at the heart of conversations online. “We tell it like it is,” they said with a laugh, “but we always try to balance honesty with humor.”

When asked what advice they’d give the next generation, their answer was simple: “Go outside, find your sunshine, and don’t let the world steal your shine. You have choices, that’s your power.”

Their goal moving forward is to continue bridging understanding between the public and law enforcement while fostering appreciation for the men and women who serve every day.