Waukesha County Honoring National Police Week With Memorial Service

In recognition of National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day, the Waukesha County Police Chaplains Association is holding a ceremony to honor fallen officers. 

Law enforcement officers, families and the public are invited to come and join in the annual Waukesha County Police Memorial Service held on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Abundant Life Apostolic Church located at 995 S. Sawyer Rd., Oconomowoc. 

The Wisconsin State Patrol Honor Guard will present the colors and the Village of Menomonee Falls Honor Guard will be doing the rifle salute. Speakers include County Executive Dan Vrakas, County DA Brad Schimel and Waukesha Police Chiefs Association President Anna Ruzinski.  

Food and drinks will be available after the ceremony.

May 15 is also recognized as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. 

More than 19,000 names of fallen law enforcement officers are etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial — and more are added every year.

The names of 321 officers killed in the line of duty – including Wauwatosa slain police officer Jennifer Sebena and Milwaukee County deputy Sergio Aleman – are being added this year to the memorial in Washington, D.C.

A number of Waukesha County officer names have been added to the memorial throughout the years: George A. Schmidling (Waukesha Detective), Quin Edward O'Brien (Waukesha County Sergeant), Michael Gesvain (Waukesha County Deputy Sheriff), William John Phipps Sr. (Waukesha County Deputy Sheriff) and Charles Snover (Waukesha County Deputy Sheriff).

Waukesha Patch Facebook fans show gratitude towards officers:

Leigh Radichel Tracy: I was in a car accident on Merrill Hills Rd. and Sunset yesterday. Hit head on by a drunk driver. The Waukesha Police, EMS, WFD and theWaukesha Sheriff were all wonderful. My little girl was in the car too and they were so wonderful with her (she was okay as she was in the back). They did such a great job while they put me in the CAD and on the back board and into the ambulance that she was distracted and was not scared. I asked so many of them their names but I am so sorry to say I can not remember. They were wonderful and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Chelsea Buchman Budde: The Cops and Kids Foundation has really been a blessing to our family with the Badges and Bulls Eyes program! Thanks to the participating officers over the years! 

Sarah Rivera: I would like to thank Officer Jonas. I had the pleasure of working with him while I was working the school district years back and he was the DARE officer. He always showed the kids he cared and was just sincere to all. To this day I can see him, and he still says HI and asks how I am doing. So Officer Jonas, thank you for what you did for us and still do for the community on patrol. 

Nick Reed: A little shout out to Officer Fred for all the hard work that he does along with the rest of the department!

Erica Liebl: Shout out to Officer R. Edwards! He's amazing!

Rodger SirWrapsalot Smith: To the Stigler family; former chief Tom, and his sons Mark & Tommy... Neighbors (20+ years ago) and family friends. Thank you for your choice of serving the community!

Here are some of the top Waukesha police stories from the year:

• Murder Suspect Eddie Callaway Commits Suicide in Indiana
• Waukesha Woman Fakes Emergencies to Avoid Traffic Citations
• Triple Homicide Suspect Arrested at Waukesha Apartments
• Sex With Couch? Man Faces Possible Jail Time for Curbside Incident

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