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POLICE MEMORIAL HONORS OUR FALLEN HEROES by: Mark A. Sikora By joint resolution approved by the United States Congress, the President has been authorized and designated May 11, 2008 thru May 17, 2008, as “Police Week”. Further, that May 15, 2008, is designated as “Police Officers’ Memorial Day”. In a Presidential Proclamation, President Bush stated: “Across our Nation, law enforcement officers carry the great responsibility of protecting their fellow citizens. On Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor these brave public servants who fight crime, violence, and terrorism, and we pay homage to the heroes who have fallen in the line of duty.” “With valor and devotion, our country’s law enforcement officers stand watch on the front lines and help make our communities safer and more secure. Fulfilling their duties with courage and commitment, they work tirelessly and put themselves in harm’s way, exemplifying the good and decent character of America.” “As we observe Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and Police Week, we pause to pay tribute to those who serve in law enforcement. On this occasion, we especially remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pray for the families and friends they have left behind. We thank all the extraordinary American men and women who have answered the call to serve in law enforcement for their commitment to justice and to their communities.” “NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2008, as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and May 11 through May 17, 2008, as Police Week. I call on all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half staff from their homes and businesses on that day.” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.” GEORGE W. BUSH In Washington, D.C., the names of 358 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, 181 of them during 2007, were formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Tuesday evening during a candlelight vigil. The service was led by United States Attorney General Michael Mikasey. The national monument now contains the names of 18,274 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federal law enforcement and military police agencies. In a statement by Craig W. Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, “As individuals, the 358 men and women we honor tonight were unique in so many ways, but as a group, they shared a common bond of service, a common heritage of bravery and selflessness.” “Now, these officers share a common place of honor among some 18,000 others who went before them, dedicated to family and community, unafraid of the risks inherent in their chosen profession, eager in spirit, righteous in cause and strong to the very end,” he said. 2007 was one of the deadliest years for U.S. law enforcement in nearly two decades. The number of officers killed in the line of duty last year increased nearly 20 percent from 2006, when there were 151 officer deaths. The 2007 increase was driven, in part, by a 26 percent rise in the number of officers shot and killed. Of the 68 officers shot to death last year, 13 died in six separate incidents in which two or more officers were gunned down, including the deaths of three Odessa (TX) Police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call in September. A record 83 officers died in traffic-related incidents last year, including 60 in automobile accidents, nine in motorcycle accidents and 14 who were struck and killed by other vehicles while outside their police vehicles. The Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial was held at MacArthur Square on Wednesday May 14, 2008. This year two Wisconsin law enforcement officers were recognized, Kenosha County Deputy Frank Fabiano, Jr. and Chippewa County Deputy Jason Zunker. Guest speakers at the event included Governor Doyle, Attorney General J.B. Van Holler, Bridget Seaport, daughter of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Draeger, John Balcerzak, President of the Milwaukee Police Association, Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, Mayor Thomas Taylor (Franklin), Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn, and South Milwaukee Police Chief Ann Wellens. In a memorial speech, MPA President John Balcerzak stated, “Today we remember and honor the fallen officers of our communities for the ultimate sacrifice that they made. We honor our fallen officers not just because of how they died, but because of how they lived. As we remember them, we find more than officers, we find heroes.” “These officers were passionately devoted to a profession that is a calling to the few in our society that are willing to make sacrifices.” These officers did not choose a life of comfort and ease, but instead awoke every day and put their lives at risk for their communities. It is a life of service in which nothing can be taken for granted. It is a life where you’re never sure if the end of your shift will find you going home or being taken to the emergency room.” “They saw the best and worst of society and went where others feared to go. They put the safety of others before their own, and they served with dedication, compassion, purpose and integrity. For them it was simple, if we needed help, they would come. They were part of the thin blue line that protects our communities against those who would do us harm.” “As we have heard here today they had families, dreams and goals and looked forward to a long and peaceful retirement, but they never wavered from their duty to serve and protect and ultimately sacrificed their lives for their communities.” “These heroes will forever be on patrol protecting and watching over us as they guide us through our daily lives.” The Milwaukee Police Association would like to thank all the family members, as well as the numerous participants in the ceremony for their contribution to this year’s memorial.
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Final Roll Call |
| Upcoming Events |
| Next Membership Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM at The MPA® Building 6310 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53213 |
| Next Stewards' Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 6:00 PM at The MPA® Building 6310 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53213 |