Milwaukee law enforcement gathered May 6 to remember the lives of fallen officers.
This year’s Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony recognized six officers who died in service across 80 years, remembering those who died as recently as Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder in 2025 and as long ago as Deputy U.S. Marshal William McCormick, who died in 1941.
“This is a club no one wants to be a part of,” said Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “What does one say?”
“It’s [simple.] It’s two words. Thank you,” Norman said.
The hourlong ceremony featured family members of each of the six receiving wreaths and recognition. Members of Milwaukee, state and suburban departments were in attendance.
Speakers like Attorney General Josh Kaul and first assistant United States attorney Brad Schimel, who is currently leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, spoke of honoring the sacrifice of officers and their daily duties.
“The phrase ‘to serve and protect’ defines the legacy of those we honor today,” Schimel said.
In total, six officers were remembered. Others memorialized included:
Wendolyn Tanner’s sisters Gwen and Nicole spoke at the ceremony and recalled when he died.
Gwen, his twin sister, remembered her mother’s strength the night the family learned. Their mother woke the next morning to make herself a coffee and she saw her looking out toward the sun.
That morning made the verse from Psalm 30:5 resonate with her. She recited it – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” – before addressing other family of fallen officers in attendance. She said to trust in God through the process.
“Wait on your joy,” she said.
David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fallen Milwaukee law enforcement remembered at memorial service
Reporting by David Clarey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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