Community members, law enforcement officers and local officials gathered at noon Wednesday, May 13, at the Public Safety Monument for the annual Kenosha Law Enforcement Memorial Service, honoring officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The ceremony opened with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Andrea Squires, great-granddaughter of fallen Kenosha Police Officer Antonio Pingitore. The Posting of the Colors was conducted by members of the Kenosha Police Department, Pleasant Prairie Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office.
Pleasant Prairie Police Chaplain Charlie Hansen delivered opening remarks and later the National Police Prayer.
“When there is trouble, others run away, and you run to it,” Hansen told the officers. “When there is a need, you provide. When help is required, you give it without hesitation. You will never hear it the way you should, but as we gather today to honor those who gave their life to save the lives of the unknown, to each and every one of you, we give our deepest appreciation for all your sacrifice.”
People are also reading…
Former Police Chief John Morrissey, who serves as city administrator and a Kenosha County Board supervisor, delivered the keynote address.
“We gather for more than a ceremony,” Morrissey said. “We gather in remembrance, we gather in gratitude. And we gather with a profound understanding that behind every badge is a human being, a son or daughter, husband or wife, parent, friend and neighbor. Those people who choose a life of service, knowing the risk that comes with that oath.”
Additional remarks were provided by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Angelina Gabriele, Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton and Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner.
Gabriele, who served as a prosecutor in the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a judge, said local law enforcement officials allowed her to “do my job better” and “bring justice to victims.”
“Tragically, all officers don’t make it home at the end of their shift,” Gabriele said. “They never know when they start their day, if and when they will. They and their families live with this uncertainty every day. It is their sacrifice for us.”
Gabriele added: “To all the officers we have lost in every way, we say thank you to you, your families and your friends.”
Patton said he wanted to take a moment to “humanize those officers that stand in front of you and do it with humility.”
“There’s a tough exterior that we often associate with police work, but the job brings forth undeniable vulnerability and humanity,” Patton said. “Each officer is a person. We are one who loves, who dreams, who succeeds and who fails. And someone who sometimes wears their heart on their sleeve. We laugh, we cry, we grieve and we oftentimes need to turn to each other for support. We are your neighbors, your friends and your family members.”
Patton said local law enforcement officials are “constantly trying to improve ourselves to be the best version of ourselves we can be.”
Zoerner thanked locals for supporting law enforcement.
“I ask our community to continue to stand behind us, support us and support all officers that continue to do this work every day,” Zoerner said. “Strong communities, strong public safety depend on trust, partnerships and shared commitment. To our fallen, we continue to thank them. We remember you, we will carry your memory forward with honor.”
Law enforcement officers who died while serving the citizens of Kenosha were honored during the ceremony, including Jacob Keul, James C. Rieschl, Blanco Aquino and Frank Fabiano Jr. of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, and Antonio Pingitore, Donald Murphy, Gary W. Fraid and Dreux Beaulier of the Kenosha Police Department.
Mayor David Bogdala and County Executive Samantha Kerkman placed a wreath at the Public Safety Monument.
“We gather each year to remember the brave law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to the people of Kenosha and to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten,” Mayor Bogdala said. “Their courage, dedication and commitment to protecting our community continue to inspire us all. On behalf of the City of Kenosha, we honor these fallen officers and extend our deepest gratitude to all the law enforcement professionals and their families who continue to serve with integrity and courage each day.”
County Executive Kerkman said she was honored to be present for such a somber remembrance.
“I was honored to participate as part of the event and recognize the loss of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It was special to see representatives of law enforcement from all across the county take part in this somber remembrance,” County Executive Kerkman said.
The Kenosha Area Pipes & Drums Association performed “Amazing Grace” during the ceremony. A rifle salute was conducted by an honor guard consisting of members of the Kenosha Police Department, Pleasant Prairie Police Department, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office.
District Attorney Xavier Solis, Pleasant Prairie Police Chief David Selvidge and Twin Lakes Police Chief Katie Hall were also present. Kenosha Police Officer Shawn Guetschow performed TAPS.
The annual memorial service serves as a tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty while protecting the Kenosha community and communities across the nation.
