'The ultimate sacrifice': Milwaukee law enforcement officers killed while on duty honored in annual ceremony

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Dozens of local law enforcement members and family of those wearing badges packed inside of the Wisconsin Center Friday afternoon as part of an annual regional memorial event that's meant to honor those who died in the line of duty. 

This year's ceremony was hosted by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department.

"We don't ever want to forget the sacrifice that they made," Sheriff Denita Ball told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. "So, when the community comes out and helps us pay tribute to them, it is so important."

While leaders honored all fallen brethren, four Milwaukee officers in particular were featured -- "MCSO deputy sheriffs Sung Hui Bang and Ralph Zylka, who were killed in August 2000, when their helicopter experienced mechanical problems and crashed as they returned to Milwaukee County from Dodge County, where they had assisted in the search for an Illinois homicide suspect. Milwaukee Police Department officers Charles Irvine, Jr., and Michael Michalski will be honored, as well. Officer Irvine was killed in a vehicle crash during a pursuit of another vehicle in June 2018. Officer Michalski was fatally shot while in pursuit of a wanted subject in July 2018," a statement said.

A moment of silence was also held for MPD officer Peter Jerving, who was shot and killed nearly three months ago while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect. 

“This is for our safety, they have given up their lives respective in their own communities to further impact crime," said MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman.

Besides Sheriff Ball and Chief Norman, speakers included Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. 

"Rest easy, brothers and sisters. You will never be forgotten."