Leaders respond to death of Milwaukee police officer killed in the line of duty
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Several Wisconsin leaders, past and present, are responding to the death of a Milwaukee police officer killed in the line of duty.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office mourns the passing of a friend, comrade and member of our law enforcement family. May a star guide our friend home to heavenly rest and let the angels encamp themselves around our family, friends and loved ones to be a comfort to all during this difficult period.
— Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
This loss is a reminder that men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens and communities in Wisconsin. We are grateful for their bravery and call to service.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) February 6, 2019
I join all of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of one of our brave law enforcement officers. Those who put on the uniform every day put their safety at risk to protect others and to save lives. pic.twitter.com/T2xjADwnw3
— WI AG Josh Kaul (@WisDOJ) February 6, 2019
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the loved ones, family, and colleagues of the @MilwaukeePolice Officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty today. I am grateful for those who risk their lives in service every day to keep our communities safe.
— Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (@LGMandelaBarnes) February 6, 2019
LaTonya Johnson:
“Today my heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Milwaukee Police Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own, for the third time in less than a year. Members of the Department called the loss ‘tragic and impactful’ and described the 17-year veteran of the agency as being ‘loved by all.’
“Very few of us are willing to risk our lives to ensure a safer community, but this officer made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold his oath to protect and serve. Please pray for the families of our fallen officers and the men and women who are dedicated to keeping us safe.”
Such a tragic year for @MilwaukeePolice. My prayers are with the friends and family of this fallen officer. https://t.co/ozfLMwmDr0
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) February 6, 2019
My heart goes out to the men and women of the @MilwaukeePolice.
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) February 6, 2019
Milwaukee city leaders also responded.
Our deepest condolences to the family of the officer and to all @MilwaukeePolice officers on this particularly sad day.
— Mayor Tom Barrett (@MayorOfMKE) February 6, 2019
Alderman Tony Zielinkski:
"The sad and tragic news that a Milwaukee Police officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty this morning while attempting to serve a warrant in the 14th District has me shaken and stunned. I am praying for the officer’s loved ones and friends as they comfort each other during this incredibly difficult time. As a community I urge that we offer privacy and comfort to the family at this time.
The loss of our officer is felt deeply by me and by citizens who see the daily sacrifices of the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve this community. I fully recognize their sacrifice and the sacrifices made by their families, and I offer my full support during this time of mourning."
Joint statement from Milwaukee aldermen:
"As members of the Common Council we know well the sacrifices and the daily dedicated service of the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department. Today we are deeply saddened to learn of the on-duty death of one of our fine officers – killed this morning by a suspect while attempting to serve a warrant on the city’s South Side.
We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the officer’s family and to each and every member of the Milwaukee Police Department family. We grieve for our fallen officer, killed while working for all of us, and while serving our entire city with selflessness and courage.
The coming days will be difficult and we will stand as one to honor our fallen officer who showed such devotion to the City of Milwaukee. We will now also stand with all of the MPD officers and band together to offer our full support during this time of mourning.
We will urge the wider Milwaukee community to join with us in honoring the memory of our fallen officer while continuing to support one another during this painful and difficult time."
In a press conference Wednesday, the Milwaukee Police Department said the officer was 35 years old and was a 17-year veteran with the department. Milwaukee Police are not releasing the officer's name until family has been notified. Police say they have a suspect, a 26-year-old Milwaukee man, in custody. This is the third line of duty death of an officer in eight months.