Community pays respects to fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Members of the law enforcement community and the public are paying their respects to Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski. 

Officer Michalski died on July 25, shot while pursuing a suspect on Milwaukee's north side. Since then, there have been countless tributes to a man who by all accounts was dedicated to serving the people of Milwaukee. 

On Wednesday morning, the hearse containing Officer Michalski's body was brought from the funeral home to the Oak Creek Assembly of God Church accompanied by fellow law enforcement officers. 

Visitation started at the church at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral service began at 3:00 p.m. 

Governor Scott Walker, Police Chief Alfonso Morales, Officer Michalski's son and his sister all shared fond memories and stories about a man who meant so much to so many.

“I’m still coming to terms with the fact that the man who I admired and loved since day one is no longer with us. It’s very likely that I will still be struggling to come to terms with it for the rest of my life. I can’t help but feel there was so much left for me to learn from him, so many more experiences I have yet to undergo with him," said John Michalski, Officer Michael Michalski's son.

John spoke about how his father was a down-to-earth man and a role model for so many. He shared stories of the lunches and times that he and his father would get together and simply talk. John says those memories are the ones he will cherish, small moments rather than big extravagant things. John said the most important thing his dad gave him was himself.

Officer Michalski's sister Pat spoke of his love for his family and his police family. She also made reference to the video where Officer Michalski gave a sermon at church.

"Michael would not want you to hold onto the hate anger or revenge that may stem from his unjustified death," said Pat 'Patsy' Michaels, Michael Michalski's sister. 

Following the service, he was taken to his final resting place at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield where a crowd of people who wanted to pay their respects looked on. Police departments from all over Wisconsin and the county came for Officer Michalski's funeral.