MPD detective shot 4 times calls on community to support Jerving family

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A man who knows what it is like to be injured protecting the city is now asking the community to step up to help the family of fallen officer Peter Jerving.

"The circumstances around both of our incidents were similar, and just knowing that I got to go home that day and he didn't, it's difficult to deal with," Detective Andrew Wilkiewicz said.

Wilkiewicz was off duty in January 2022 when he intervened in a robbery attempt at a Shake Shack in the Third Ward. He was shot four times and sustained life-threatening injuries. Five days later, he walked out of the hospital, embraced by a community now stepping up for Peter Jerving.

"It is great to see everybody support, and I know it's important for the Jerving family that we continue to support them," Wilkiewicz said.

For Wilkiewicz, Jerving's death, marking the fifth Milwaukee Police Officer death in 5 years, is a reminder of the dangers police face.

"Everybody, every police officer in the Milwaukee Police Department, has done those tasks, and it is dangerous, and it's difficult to know that it kind of puts a context on your own mortality," he said.

Though Wilkiewicz was not physically present at Jerving's funeral or in the procession because he said it would have been too hard for him, he praises Jerving's parents for their words, calling them courageous. Wilkiewicz calls on the community to help the Jerving family by donating to the Milwaukee Fallen Heroes Fund.

"Every single dollar that is raised goes to their family. It can help them offset costs, unexpected costs, whether it's funeral costs, and you know, in my case, all sorts of other stuff pops up. Something you never think about, you're not prepared for, so I know every single dollar raised that is raised for that family will help," he explained.

To donate to the Milwaukee Fallen Heroes Fund. you can visit their website or drop off a check at the Milwaukee Police Association at 6310 W Bluemound Rd.

On Monday, Feb. 20, there will be a fundraiser for the Milwaukee Fallen Heroes Fund at the Third Street Market Hall in Downtown Milwaukee. For more information, visit milwaukeefallenheroesinc.com.