'Never be forgotten': Fallen officers honored during Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds gathered for the Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to honor those killed in the line of duty.

This years’ service was especially difficult after the loss of three MPD officers.

"We have three recent officers that have died in the line of duty, and I can tell the families they will never be forgotten," said Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales.

Three empty chairs were draped for Officer Charles Irvine Jr., Officer Michael Michalski and Officer Matthew Rittner, who were all tragically killed on the job in the last year.

“We will never forget this,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “All of us who have been touched by this will never forget the incidence of the last year."

The memorial ceremony was hosted by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County Law Enforcement Executives Association, as part of National Police Week. Law enforcement from around the city, county and state were in attendance.

Family members of the fallen officers were also present and honored with wreaths.

Officers Irvine Jr. and Michalski will have their names added to the National Police Wall in Washington D.C., next week.  About 175 MPD officers will be going on the memorial trip to pay their respects.