Family of fallen MPD officer Peter Jerving speaks out for the first time

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thursday, Feb 9., for the first time, the family of fallen officer Peter Jerving spoke out.

A family spokesperson told CBS 58 the family is taking things one day at a time, as they prepare to honor Jerving's life and legacy Monday, Feb. 13.

"Not everyone has the opportunity to really serve in a way that you believe in, in their life and he was able to find that, and these last years of his life were lived with purpose and meaning, and so we are grateful and so proud of him," said Pastor Alexis Twito.

Twitio's brother is married to Jerving's sister.

Twito said Peter was the fifth of seven siblings, and a "classic middle child."

The Pastor went on to say, Jerving was an uncle, always making silly faces and entertaining his nieces and nephews.

The family said when they received the news of Peter's death, they were angry, shocked and frustrated.

The mother of Peter said, "I don’t know if Peter ever wanted to be a hero, but he wanted to be the best damn police officer he could."

Jerving's death is still surreal to those that knew him best.

"Different people saying I just feel like I'm going to wake up from a dream, or wanting to like, I keep getting notifications from Snapchat, and I keep expecting that it's going to be him," said Twito.

Jerving was a Wisconsin sports fan, and played many sports himself, even kickball with his MPD friends and colleagues.