Procession leads fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving to final resting place

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A procession stretched some 10 miles in length as it led the body of Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving to his final resting place at Wisconsin Memorial Park Monday, Feb. 13. 

As the last car in the procession pulled out of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, the beginning of the procession was pulling up at Wisconsin Memorial Park. It's a nearly 10-mile stretch between the two points -- that's the magnitude of support shown to a grieving family.

The family of Officer Peter Jerving got to see all of this as the hearse carrying their beloved made one final journey. 

Complete strangers scattered along the route from Elmbrook Church down Barker Road and then east on Capitol.

"They put on that badge every day. They go out to do a job. Their families never know when they're gonna come home, and this particular one has hit me exceedingly hard," said Hobbe Hewett of Menomonee Falls.

And all along the way, some young, some older, held flags, some with a hand over their heart, all moved to do what they believed in their heart was the right thing to do. 

"It's a sad day and I just wanted to show my support," said Cindy Pasbrig, Wauwatosa Police Reserve. 

A motorcycle brigade led Officer Jerving's funeral procession, all in line, like soldiers marching down a street. The red and blue flashing lights against an orange, sun-setting sky, emotionally powerful, moving many in these crowds to tears. 

"A lot of mixed emotions. I'm sad, just senseless how it all occurred," said Edward Ciano, retired Milwaukee police officer. "Just in my 25-year career, I've attended one too many funerals. I don't want to see this happen to anybody else."

Officer Jerving's family stepped out of their vehicle as it arrived at Wisconsin Memorial Park, watching as their police family, one by one, made it to their final destination. 

"We're just lucky to have people that are willing to do that kind of job and serve and protect us," said Mark Thurner of Brookfield.

"I just feel for the family, I feel for all the police, actually. It's a scary profession," said Andrea Street of Brookfield.

Squads from what seemed like every county in Wisconsin took part -- some out of state, too. Cities like Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and state police were here, all to honor a 37-year-old man who gave his all to the people he took an oath to serve and protect.