LCSO recognizes Birkholz for role in defusing March 2 standoff

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office awarded Lincoln's Aaron Birkholz with their Achievement Award during Lincoln's May 7 Government Day meeting, for his role in resolving an armed standoff in March.

The Sheriff's office recognized Birkholz for successfully convincing Gary Scheele, who found himself in a five-hour standoff with law enforcement March 2, to put away his weapons and surrender to deputies.

Scheele had made repeated angry calls to 911 regarding his concerns about property he had loaned out. During the calls he made statements perceived as threats against the people to whom he had loaned the items and at one point allegedly fired a gun during a call. He fired more shots after deputies arrived at his residence along Highway 200, west of Lincoln.

Undersheriff Brent Colbert, who was in charge of the operation, read a letter he had written to Sheriff Leo Dutton regarding Birkholz's actions. In it he noted Birkholz's familiarity with Scheele (who wasn't identified by name in the letter itself) allowed him to negotiate an end to the standoff.

"Mr. Birkholz also volunteered to go to the scene to be a familiar face," Colbert wrote. "Mr. Birkholz's willingness to help and (to) sacrifice calmed the situation and helped bring a peaceful end to a bad situation."

Dutton, who formally presented the commendation, said Birkholz's act "resulted in an identifiable betterment in the safety for the community," and lauded Birkholz for his actions.

"Heroism isn't something where you all of a sudden have a cape; heroism is recognizing a situation and stepping up to do the right thing, and knowing the consequences could be dire if you don't." Dutton said.

"This is not an award or a lapel pin we give out willy-nilly," he added. "This is earned."

Lewis and Clark County Commission Chair Andy Hunthausen congratulated Birkholz on behalf of the commission. "As has been said, this is excellent work and deserves recognition."

Birkholz didn't make any comments during the brief ceremony, but in March said he didn't believe Scheele intended to hurt anyone, and he credited the law enforcement negotiators for their level of calm and willingness to work with him.

Birkholz serves as president of the Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance and has known Scheele, for several years, both in his role with the Ambulance and through his winter snowplowing business. Scheele was reportedly diagnosed with a terminal illness some months before the March incident.

Although Birkholz did not volunteer to help in his capacity with the Ambulance or as a Lincoln Volunteer Fire Rescue captain, he is eligible to wear the award with his dress uniforms.

Scheele, 60, was charged with two counts of assault with a weapon.