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Miller employees return to work after shooting
Miller employees return to work after shooting
MILWAUKEE -- Miller Brewery employees headed back to work Monday, March 2, five days after five workers were gunned down by a co-worker. Employees had the option to return Monday, with the brewery reopening, but they were not required to do so. There was extra security throughout the Miller Valley, and counselors on hand for support on this very emotional day.
"At the end of the day, there are no words for how difficult this is, and for a tragedy like this," said Alexis Twito, coordinator of the Milwaukee Crisis Chaplaincy Program. "Many of them have been connecting with each other over the last couple of days, but this is the first time they're coming back to their shift work."
Company leaders said there would be armed officers in the lobbies and patrolling area, and bag checks were implemented across Molson Coors' U.S. brewery and corporate campuses.
Five men, employees of Miller Brewery, were killed Wednesday, Feb. 26 when a gunman opened fire on his co-workers. The victims were identified as Dale Hudson, 60, Gene Levshetz, 61, Jesus Valle, 33, Dana Walk, 57, and Trevor Wetselaar, 33.
"Everyone is experiencing this very differently," said Twito.
Miller Brewery shooting: Dale Hudson, Gene Levshetz, Jesse Valle Jr., Dana Walk, Trevor Wetselaar
Pastor Twito was one of several counselors on-site to help employees cope with the trauma. She said some workers were looking forward to a return to a sense of normalcy, while others were nervous to return to work.
"It ranges from feeling angry, it ranges from that to fear, to sadness, shock, and many of them a little bit of all that," said Twito.
Counselors said if you know someone impacted by the shooting, but don't know what to say, the best thing you can do is simply listen.
While brewery shifts were to resume Monday night, regular operations were to resume Wednesday, March 4.
Statement from Molson Coors President and CEO Gavin Hattersley Monday:
Email to MillerCoors employees Saturday:
About the victims
Dale Hudson left behind a wife. He was a 2001 graduate of MATC -- and a long-time member of IBEW 494.
Gene Levshetz was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. According to his obituary, Levshetz was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put his family's needs before his own. The Levshetz family issued the following statement:
Jesus Valle leaves behind a wife, two young children, and many family members. FOX6 News spoke with Valle's cousin who shared some of his favorite memories -- and a message to the community.
Dana Walk was also a loving husband and father of three. His union described Walk as an avid fisherman and a devout journeyman.
Trevor Wetselaar was a loving husband, decorated Navy veteran, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Help for the victims' families
Molson Coors established a GoFundMe Friday dedicated to the family members of those lost in Wednesday's tragedy, donating $500,000 to victims' families. That puts the Miller Valley Survivors Fund halfway to its goal of $1,000,000.
If you are interested in donating to the Miller Valley Survivors Fund, CLICK HERE.
Resources and support