'The world is a better place because of who Kendall was': Fallen MPD Ofc. Corder remembered in emotional funeral service
BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The impact fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder had on many people he encountered was evident during his funeral service Friday, July 11, at Elmbrook Church.
Funeral for fallen MPD Ofc. Kendall Corder
During the 90-minute service, heartfelt messages came from those who served with Corder, supervised him and had a hand in his upbringing. The remarks opened with a tribute from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
"Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder represented the very best of us," Johnson said. "He was a public servant who loved his career and the solemn duty and that his brothers and sisters in blue take an oath to serve and protect their community."
Multiple speakers talked about the initial impression Corder made with his imposing physical stature, only for them to be truly impressed by his commitment and concern for others.
One such story came from Steve Kaminski, the former school resource officer at Cudahy High School when Corder was a student. Kaminski had previously shared a story of how Corder helped save the life of another student who was choking.
During Friday's service, Kaminski shared how he formed a bond with Corder.
"Kendall knew that I worked out in the morning before school started," Kaminski said. "And one day, he asked if he could join me early in the morning. I looked back and I wish I wouldn't have said yes because he pushed me beyond my limits."
Kaminski also discussed how Corder left a lasting impression on the kids who came after him.
"I often told other students at the school about Kendall's dedication and commitment and wished they would have the same commitment as Kendall did. I asked many times for students to look up to Kendall, and I didn't have to. They knew that already," said Kaminski.
MPD Ofc. Kendall Corder (left)
There was also brightness in this dark setting. Kaminski and others also shared funny stories. Milwaukee Police Detective Keith Mills joked about Corder's bottomless appetite and how costly that was when he offered to cover the bill on a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings.
However, the smiles and laughs were outnumbered by the tears. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman shed some of those tears, and he got choked up during his remarks. It happened as he recited an unknown author's poem to the officers gathered at the service.
"Our brother has been taken, and though we wonder why, we still perform our duties as days...and then weeks go by," Chief Norman said through tears.
Milwaukee Police Department Captain Erin Mejia also offered an emotional speech. Many of her words were directed toward the people who helped mold Corder into the man he became.
"I've had honor to get to know his family and some of his closest friends, and you all had a part in shaping Kendall's life and sharing him with the world," Mejia said. "Your pain is unimaginable, but know that the world is a better place because of who Kendall was."
Mejia and others also touched on the commitment officers must make and the risks they must be willing to take. With officers from around the country in attendance, she stated Corder's memory will serve as an inspiration to live up to the oaths they took.
"I don't have the answers on how to move forward because there is none, but we will because it's our responsibility and our calling," she said. "More importantly, it's Kendall's wish for all of us to protect this community the way that he loved to do."
