Fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Honored By Leaders At Funeral

BROOKFIELD, WI — Milwaukee leaders on Monday honored and remembered fallen police officer Peter Jerving for his bravery, smile and more at his funeral service in Brookfield.

Jerving was killed on Feb. 7 in the line of duty on Milwaukee's south side when a struggle with a robbery suspect ended in gunfire, according to police. After the service and honors, interment was scheduled at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

Among those to speak at the funeral was Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who at one point addressed the members of the Milwaukee Police Department.

"This is an emotionally wrenching time for each and every single one of you. A colleague, friend, is now gone," Johnson said, adding later that "your work is vital to Milwaukee."

"Peter Jerving was out there in the middle of the night protecting our city and all of us who live here and work here," Johnson said. "He came into work each and every day knowing full well the danger and importance of his work to the safety of our city. That is the very definition of bravery."

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Normal also addressed the funeral service and brought up a recent occasion where Jerving and another officer helped a person who was shot and in a crash.

Jerving and another officer worked for 8 minutes to give the patient lifesaving care and stabilize the scene, Norman said. At one point, Jerving used a fire extinguisher when the car caught fire, Norman said.

"In spite of the current and past challenges of police work, it is encouraging that people like Peter donned the uniform and answered the call," said Norman. "How do we honor Peter's sacrifice? We can honor him by remaining steadfast to protect our community."

"Rest easy brother, we got it from here," Norman said.

Captain Bradley W. Schlei, the commander for Milwaukee's 4th Police District, where Jerving worked, also addressed the service and recounted first meeting Peter.

"We will always remember Peter and the smile he had," Schlei said, "and the dedication he had to his community and how he loved his job."

Gov. Tony Evers ordered the state's and nation's flags to be flown at half-mast across the state on Monday in honor of Jerving.

The service for Jerving was shared by the church and broadcast by several local television networks. You can find a live stream of the service on the WISN 12 News Youtube channel and through the TMJ4 News Youtube channel.

Jerving's procession arrived at the church around 8 a.m. Monday. A video posted by the Milwaukee Police Department on Facebook showed the hearse arriving with an escort of several police vehicles.