Mother of fallen officer shows support for new recruits at MPD graduation
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The number of Milwaukee police recruits to graduate from the academy is the smallest we've seen in years, but a familiar face is cheering them on, hoping to encourage more to join the force.
It is Patty Jerving, mother of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving. Patty's asking for prayers for the new officers who'll be hitting the streets of Milwaukee right away.
Katherine Watson is one of three female officers in the February recruits class of 2025 with just 25 graduates.
"I would say that I'm most excited to get out there, take my training to the streets and use the skills that I've been taught here," said Katherine Watson, MPD graduating recruit.
April of 2023 saw 51 graduates and February of 2024 had 41. Cheering Watson and her classmates on is someone many have never met but may feel like they already know her.
"Citizens all over the city should be praying for their police officers because they're keeping us from evil. They're protecting us from evil. It's out there," said Patty Jerving.
Patty Jerving has been a graceful presence in District Four where Peter worked. Known for her hugs, she's taken that love to the entire department.
"And I want to thank them for answering the call, but they will be challenged in the days ahead," said Jerving.
CBS 58's Michele Fiore asked, "What would you want to say to the parents of these new recruits?" "Just keep them in prayer," said Jerving.
Prayer is what Patty says helped get her through that gut-punch feeling the first year after her son Peter's death.
"I knew I had to eventually get that place of forgiveness. It's not easy and it's not instant. It takes a lot of prayer," said Jerving.
Death by Homicide is a year of memories that followed Feb. 7, 2023, when Peter was fatally shot pursuing a robbery suspect. Patty says he often told her where he was going. The cover reads, "I've gone to the sky now, mom."
She read this excerpt from the book to us: "Do the people who knew about the gun that eventually killed Peter bear any guilt over it? Are they as innocent as they might think? I am struggling now with what to do with my emotions concerning all of this."
Death by Homicide is 37 chapters and that wasn't on purpose. Patty says the book came to a natural end at Chapter 37 and she was shocked when someone pointed out that Peter Jerving's forever age is 37.