Fallen officers remembered at 2024 Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Sacrifice and courage, two words used to describe local heroes who lost their lives protecting the public. Fallen officers were remembered at the 2024 Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony held Thursday afternoon, May 9, at the War Memorial.
The annual ceremony this year honoring five fallen officers. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffery Norman said it was fitting to hold it at the War Memorial because while freedom isn't free, public safety isn't either.
Three days before Mother's Day, a grieving mother is escorted by Chief Norman laying a wreath in her son's name.
"No one will remember the name of my son's killer either except for his mother. No one remembers her either, but I do keep both of their names in my heart," said Patty Jerving, mother of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving.
The 2024 ceremony honored the life of Officer Peter Jerving who was shot in the line of duty last year, along with four others who are fallen officers from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
"I want family members and I want colleagues to know that we honor your emotions, and we honor your sacrifices," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Those in the room recognized the families left behind, saying your pain is our pain. End of watches date back to 1934. Don Balchunas lost his son 20 years ago.
"His nephew Andy, our grandson, who brought the wreath up today said 'why didn't those men just ask Uncle Jay for some money?' He would've given it to them, but they didn't, shot him 'stead," said Don Balchunas, father of DCI Special Agent Jay Balchunas.
50 years ago, MPD Officer Michael Draeger's squad crashed as he was en route to an officer needs assistance call. The wreath laying part of this ceremony brought tears to his now 54-year-old son.
"It was emotional, however, I'm really glad as I said earlier that the police department hasn't forgotten 50 years later," said Mark Draeger, Son of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Draeger.
"Their family, their colleagues, their friends, their loved ones are hurting and we're hurting whenever we lose someone in our profession," said Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball.
The Jervings, thankful for a week of support, including a moving moment at the Milwaukee Police Merit Awards Wednesday night.
"The whole room stood up and gave us a standing ovation and I was just overcome because I thought this is Milwaukee that Peter loved and here, they're showing me and his dad love back," said Patty Jerving.
The final words from this day, may we never forget our fallen heroes.