Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
Capitol Square 2 E. Main St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
media release: On Friday, May 10, 2024, the 34th annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial site located on the Capitol grounds in Madison, Wisconsin. The annual ceremony, honoring and remembering Wisconsin law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, is held in correlation with National Police Week activities. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 “National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day” and National Police Week as the calendar week which encompasses May 15. National Police Week 2024 is May 12 until May 18.
There will be a squad procession involving officers from across Wisconsin that will leave Olin Park at 11:15 AM and proceed to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Olin Park is located at 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, off the STH 12/18 beltline in Madison. Law enforcement officers wishing to participate in the squad procession from Olin-Turville Park to the Memorial are requested to arrive no later than 11:00 a.m.
The 2024 honor roll will include four names which will be officially added to the Memorial, bringing the total number of names listed on the Memorial to 293.
On February 7, 2023, Milwaukee Police Department Officer Peter E. C. Jerving and his partner were investigating a robbery. Officers attempted to stop the suspect who fled on foot. Officer Jerving physically struggled with the suspect, when the suspect shot and fatally wounded Officer Jerving.
On April 8, 2023, Chetek Police Department Officer Emily A. Breidenbach and Cameron Police Department Officer Hunter T. Scheel were on a traffic stop with a subject of a welfare check. The subject also had an active warrant. The subject opened fire on the officers. Both officers were fatally wounded.
On May 6, 2023, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kaitlin R. Leising, responded for a vehicle that went into the ditch. Deputy Leising was investigating the driver for possible impairment and was going to administer field sobriety tests, when the suspect drew a firearm. The suspect shot and fatally wounded Deputy Leising.
The ceremony speakers will include Wisconsin Concerns of Police Survivor Representative Scott Zylka and Marinette County Sheriff Randy Miller. The Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School Band, Cameron High School Band, as well as the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums will be performing during the ceremony.
Additionally, members of the Beloit Police Department, Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, Two Rivers Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin State Patrol Honor Guard Units will post guards at the Memorial site starting at sunrise. Similar to the military guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, two law enforcement honor guard members will continually encircle the Memorial at approximately 5:39 AM until the ceremony at noon. It is suggested ceremony attendees park in the Capitol Square North Garage located at 218 E. Mifflin St. Madison.
Departments wishing to send color teams are to contact Oak Creek Police Department Sergeant Dan Gitzlaff at dgitzlaff@oakcreekwi.gov for details.
Following the ceremony, a luncheon will be held at the Wisconsin Air National Guard, 115TH Fighter Wing, Truax Field, 3200 Pierstorff St, Madison WI 53704. Please enter through the gate located at Pearson St and Pierstorff St.
Ceremony information can also be found on Facebook @ Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial, Inc.
If you have any questions, send an e-mail to: wlem@wlem.com or call 608-846-9854.