Construction begins on new fallen officer memorial at Milwaukee Fire and Police Safety Academy
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Construction of a new fallen officers memorial began Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Milwaukee Fire and Police Safety Academy building.
Work began on a memorial meant to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Until now, the memorial hadn't been updated since 1983. The new memorial will now have enough space to honor every single one of the 65 MPD officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"So what we realized after Chuck and Matt and Mike lost their lives is that we could no longer put their plaque in the current memorial," said Steve Basting, president of the Milwaukee Historical Society.
The Milwaukee Police Historical Society began construction Wednesday to give new life to the memorial honoring Milwaukee's officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
"It's a fitting tribute to all the officers that it honors and so I'm just really happy that the project is coming to fruition," said Nicole Waldner of the Milwaukee Police Department.
Workers drilled and put up black marble where the plaques featuring officers lost will be placed. Interactive kiosks will feature not just photos and profiles, but videos and stories about different officers.
You can hear the story of who they were and how they lived rather than just focusing on the circumstances of their death.
Companies are donating their services, time and supplies for this project.
"These first responders deserve our utmost gratitude and respect, and for them to pay this horrible price that they've paid to lose their life, this is the smallest thing that we can do," said project manager Todd Radmonovic.
Those involved say the memorial will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made.
"In the past, you walked by, you'd see their picture, but you didn't really know who they were and what we're learning now, we're hearing all those stories that really bring it home for us."
They're hoping to raise $100,000 for the campaign. Contributions for the memorial can be made at any Milwaukee-area BMO Harris Bank branch, or online.
The project is expected to be completed in about two weeks.