Family of fallen MPD Officer Jerving awarded 1st Brewers Hometown Champion Award
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Fallen Officer Peter Jerving's family kicked off the Brewers' new program honoring those in law enforcement who've gone above and beyond the call of duty.
For many, the night was a win before it even started. Applause rocked the stadium and left a mother missing her son breathless. The Brewers welcomed the family of Milwaukee police officer Peter Jerving and handed his parents the first Brewers Hometown Champion Award.
"Anybody who has suffered such a great loss like that, to have them back up the family and doing good that they can, is something we can support by coming to watch the game," said Brewers fan Dawn Melchiori.
Friends, family and coworkers, 260 of them, spent the night together in blue sweatshirts in the Johnsonville Deck honoring Officer Jerving, who was shot to death chasing down a robbery suspect.
"A lot of police officers up there and family members. It's, you know, they're showing their support, everybody got new sweatshirts for this game especially, too," said Dennis Bratel. His son-in-law was Jerving's partner.
"We're hoping to see as many blue sweatshirts and hoodies out there as we can. So, it's got Officer Jerving's badge number on it, 3422.
"Got the glove as well, made this in honor of the six victims that we lost in the parade. Got blue for the grannies, green for Jackson and red for Jane," said Tyler Pudleiner, Waukesha Christmas parade attack survivor.
Tyler Pudleiner brought the glove to the game in memory of those who lost their lives in the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy, serving to help others like the Jervings who've lost so much.
"It's heartwarming that he's gonna be able to throw out the first pitch, the family," said Bratel.
Dennis Bratel was in the stands as Officer Jerving's nephew, Blake, got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. And what a throw it was, worth of a high-five after it flew past home plate.
"It's just heartbreaking, because that was my son in-law's partner and they weren't together that night," said Bratel.
The Hometown Champion Award Award will be presented monthly.