Memorial To Honor Fallen Waukesha Firefighters And Police Moving Ahead

WAUKESHA, WI — As Friday marks the 29th anniversary of the last time a Waukesha police officer was killed in the line of duty, the city continues to fundraise for a memorial to all of the city's fallen first responders.

The city plans to memorialize the sacrifices of its firefighters and police officers who have died through the years with a Public Safety Memorial, according to a news release from police. Three fallen firefighters and two police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to Waukesha's community will be named on the memorial.

As the memorial enters the final stages of construction, police said it is scheduled to be dedicated on Sept. 22. Police invited people to donate to the memorial or help it by purchasing a personalized brick (which will be installed before the dedication as long as it is purchased by June 30.)

Besides the final installation of the memorial, donations will support the Waukesha Police and Fire Honor Guards. You can purchase bricks or donate through the city's website.

The last police officer killed in the city was Captain Jim Lutz, who died April 28, 1994, police said. His name and several others will be on the memorial, including:

• Firefighter Albert Mevis, who died in 1891.
• Firefighter Bernard McCaffery, who died in 1934.
• Firefighter Frank O'Brien, who died in 1934.
• Police detective George Schmidling, who died in 1961.

The plans for the memorial come after two years of planning between the city's leaders, police and fire departments, according to the news release.