MPD members, citizens recognized at awards ceremony

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Bravery and hard work are recognized by the Milwaukee police department Tuesday.

Both officers and citizens were honored in the Spring Merit Awards Ceremony.

The awards ranged from individual citizens helping their neighbors to officers going above and beyond.

The homicide unit was honored as a group for handling cases like a nine-year-old shot in her home, and solving two cold cases.

“Because of the homicide unit's dedication to the mission of relentless follow-up, they have one of the highest clearance rates for large metropolitan cities,” said CBS 58’s Amanda Porterfield who was an emcee for the event.

Two men killed in 2017 were honored at the event.

Andrew Tyler was a crossing guard hit and killed on his way to his job.

Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz was a home assessor shot and killed on the job. His son says it's heartwarming to see people honor their father.

“We didn't know a lot of what he did, how much he helped people until the end when everyone came out,” said Bryan Zyszkiewicz, “things like this are cool, it helps that people remember."

Among the citizens honored Tuesday was Joel Roque-Renteria.

He is a hearing impaired man who helped save two men who became sick on the job after breathing in too much carbon monoxide.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was on hand to help give out awards and honor officers.