Walk held to honor fallen Milwaukee city employees

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A community walk was held along the War Memorial to honor Milwaukee's fallen city workers. 

The event was to remember the four Milwaukee Police officers who were killed in just over the last year -- Officers Charles Irvine Jr., Michael Michalski, Matthew Rittner, and Kou Her.

“We just wanted to show unity and show them that even though they have passed, that we still feel their pain," said Tracey Dent, organizer. "I’m talking about the families of these city heroes," he said.

The gathering was also to remember another city hero, DPW worker, Bryan Rodriguez, who was tragically killed on the job. His wife was presented with a proclamation from Alderman Tony Zieleinski on behalf of the city declaring it, 'Fallen Heroes Day.'

In addition, a moment of silence was held for housing inspector, Greg "Ziggy" Zyskiewicz, who was shot and killed on the job.

"We need to stand up against the violence," said a participant. "There's just been too much violence in this community."

Despite it being a difficult time for Milwaukee law enforcement, they say events like this help with the healing process.

“The support has always been there, but since we lost our first officer last year, the support has increased quite a bit, and it’s a good first step to healing for our department,” said Dale Bormann, vice president of the Milwaukee Police Association.