NEENAH — For the past 12 years, Neenah police officer Stuart Zuehls has been a dedicated volunteer for Special Olympics events.

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On Friday, his zeal for helping the nonprofit organization led him to go above and beyond his normal call of duty.

During the Neenah Police Department's annual Lock Up a Cop fundraiser outside Wal-Mart, 1155 W. Winneconne Ave., Zuehls was approached by a man with four crew members from his business, Lasting Color Landscaping.

The business owner, Tom Williams, had made a $20 donation earlier and wanted to know how much it would cost for each of his employees to lock up a police officer.

"I said, 'For the right donation you could Tase me,'" Zuehls said, referring to the electronic control devices that have become a common less-lethal police weapon to subdue aggressive individuals. "He said, 'How much?'"

When Zuehls replied $500, Williams pulled out his checkbook. "I said, 'Oh no,'" Zuehls said. "I had to back it up."

After getting approval from his superiors, Zuehls, who was off duty, and the Lasting Color Landscaping crew went back to the Neenah police station where Lt. Ty Thompson administered the shock.

Zuehls, who had been Tasered several years ago in training because he wanted to know its impact before using it on duty, described it as "horrible" because it renders your muscles "completely uncontrolled. You can't do anything. It's 50,000 volts of electricity. It's just unbelievable, mind numbing."

Williams made good on the donation.

Zuehls, who helps with the Special Olympics Torch Run, Cops and Lobsters and Polar Plunge fundraisers at other times of the year, said the donation helped bring in about $9,500 for Special Olympics on Friday.

"Stu's always willing to go the extra mile," said Nicci Sprangers, regional director of development for Special Olympics. "He's one of our most active volunteers as far as law enforcement goes. I guess I wasn't surprised that he would do it."

"For the cause, I'll do it again next year," Zuehls said. "It's a good cause."

Michael King: 920-729-6622, ext. 33, or mking@postcrescent.com