Benefit fund established for family of accident victim

Greenfield-- Emergency responders are stepping up to support the family of a West Allis woman who was killed in a violent rollover crash during Sunday's snowstorm.

The Greenfield Fire Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, and Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office are asking their members and members of the community to donate to the Tammy Gawlitta Benefit Fund.  \"Both Tammy and Michael had recently been laid off from  their jobs. Such a tragic and difficult situation, and unfortunately, right up against the holiday season,\" said Greenfield Fire Chief Jon Cohn during a news conference Tuesday announcing the benefit fund.

39-year-old Tammy Gawlitta died when she was thrown from her SUV Sunday on Interstate 43 and Highway 100 near the Hale Interchange.  A pair of good Samaritans pulled the vehicle off of her and attempted CPR, but were unable to revive Tammy.

Gawlitta's only sibling, Tim Gorecki, is a captain with the Tess Corners Fire Department. 

\"I just wanted to express my thank you and gratitude to the first responders in Greenfield and to the sheriff's department.  And also to the family that came home from church that day, to roll over the car to start CPR on my sister.\"

Tammy leaves behind her husband Mike, and their four children ages 3, 6, 10, and a 14-year-old with special needs.  The 3-year-old was strapped in a child safety seat and survived the crash with minor injuries.  Gawlitta was not wearing a seat belt.    Gorecki said, \"I just wanted to express my feelings and how important it is to wear seat belts.  I think this would have been a different circumstances if a seat belt would have been in place.\"     

Donations to the Tammy Gawlitta Benefit Fund can be made at any branch of Associated Bank.   \"Just amazing how much support you have from the surrounding departments and your brothers you serve by,\" Gorecki said.