'It’s just a hard pill to swallow': Community mourns courthouse officer killed in Milwaukee shooting
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Family, friends and community members gathered Saturday night to honor Dennis Johnson, a Milwaukee County Courthouse public safety officer who was shot and killed Friday, May 8, on the city’s north side.
A balloon release and candlelight vigil became an emotional tribute as loved ones remembered Johnson’s life and support for those around him.
Police said the 56-year-old Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office public safety officer was shot near Teutonia and Chambers shortly after leaving work at the courthouse Friday.
56-year-old Dennis Johnson
Johnson’s sister, Lisa Beatty, said the loss has been devastating for the family.
“My brother was a beautiful person and he’s resting in heaven, but I can't believe somebody would do this to my brother,” she said.
Beatty said Johnson was a dedicated family member who stayed out of trouble and focused on work.
“It’s just a hard pill to swallow,” she said. “I can't believe someone did this to my brother. He wasn't in the streets. All he did was go to work and come home. You don't expect for something to happen to somebody like that.”
She said Johnson was always there whenever family members needed help.
“He supported whatever we needed him to do,” Beatty said. “He was always one call, that’s all. And that’s not something you can replace.”
Dozens of people attended the vigil to support Johnson’s family and honor his memory.
Monte Mabra with I Will Not Die to Gun Violence: The LaTroy Harris Initiative said the violence has left many searching for answers.
“It doesn't make sense to take somebody's life, and we don't even know the whole purpose of this,” Mabra said. “We got somebody that's loved. Look at all these people. We got somebody that's loved and we don't even know why he's absent right now.”
Beatty said the turnout from the community brought comfort to the grieving family.
“I'm just looking at all the people here,” she said. “I'm just amazed and just dumbfounded and just happy that people are here for my brother and our family as well because we're going to need it to get us through these next few days.”
Milwaukee police continue searching for suspects in the shooting.
Beatty said the family is determined to see justice served.
“We will not rest until they’re caught and serving the time that they deserve for killing my brother for no reason,” she said.