Officer Charles Irvine's childhood daycare remembers the fallen hero

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Whether they knew the fallen officer or not, the community came to cover the squad car outside of district 4 to remember Officer Charles Irvine. Many said it was a tragic day for the entire city.

Flowers were laid down for 23-year-old Officer Charles Irvine Jr.

"It was heartbreaking. It was just like losing someone in your family." People across Milwaukee came to say goodbye to a man that gave his life protecting his city. He died pursuing a reckless driver on Thursday.

"He's out here putting his life on the line every day, trying to curb some of the crime. To lose his life like that it's tragic," said community member Dwight Jones. 

Daycare providers at Covenant Early Childhood Center say Friday was tough. Officer Irvine attended as a boy. As an adult, he was an active member of the neighboring church.

Too heartbroken to speak on camera, Irvine's childhood caregiver said they made a poster to help heal. They showed pictures of the boy that they'll forever remember as 'Chuckie.'

"All he wanted to do was be a police officer and we loved him," said Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

The entire Milwaukee Police Department is now mourning his loss.

"He was a quiet and funny officer who did great impersonations and would give the shirt off his back," said Chief Morales.

Salvation Army Chaplains are supporting district 4 officers at every roll call for the next four days.

"Put their lives on the line every day. They go out but even though they know that at the back of their minds they're never really prepared," said Pastor Alexis Twito with the Army Chaplaincy Program.

Officer Irvine's body was taken to Jelacic Funeral Home on Friday. Many gathered to say goodbye, a final salute to the man who will be remembered as a hero.

A public vigil will be held at 76th and Silver Spring on Monday evening.

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