MPS board remembers deputy-involved crash victim: 'How do you replace somebody who is that dedicated?'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Nearly two weeks after the fatal crash that killed a lobbyist for the Milwaukee Public Schools, the school board president is remembering his lasting impact on the district.

Ceasar Stinson, 47, was killed in a deputy-involved crash near 10th and State on Jan. 25.

According to MPS, Stinson had worked for the district since 2002, most recently as a legislative policy specialist. 

"How do you replace somebody who is that dedicated, that qualified?" asked president Larry Miller.

Miller said Stinson was the main lobbyist for city and county-level issues, and MPS has another lobbyist who focused on state and federal governmental issues. He said Stinson's impact on the district can't be overestimated.

"He was 47 years old. Forty-seven. I’m a lot older than he was, but he was a mentor to me in community relations in so many ways," Miller said. "I learned a huge amount from him... and he’s just a treasure."

The district is now tasked with dividing up Stinson's work, which will temporarily mean more of a workload for other employees. Luckily, Miller said he does not believe any projects will be put on hold as a result of Stinson's death.

But his passion will continue to be seen through the eyes of the young people he mentored.

Miller shared the following words with CBS 58, which were read by one of the young people he mentored during his recent Celebration of Life ceremony:

"Ceasar was black excellence. He came into my life when I was 15 and has been mentoring me ever since. I would meet with him, and he would give me lessons. Ceasar spoke life into me every time we met. I was supposed to meet with him the afternoon of his accident at 3 p.m. I'm going to miss our meeting. I'm going to miss him. I love Ceasar."

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office identified Joel Streicher as the deputy involved in the crash that killed Stinson. Authorities said the on-duty deputy was driving in an unmarked vehicle with his canine partner when he collided with another vehicle, killing Stinson.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has not made a charging decision in the case.