Deputy Aleman's name to be added to Deputy Memorial monument

FRANKLIN -- Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputy Sergio Aleman was killed in a crash in the southbound lanes of I-43 near downtown Milwaukee early Tuesday afternoon. In Franklin stands a monument to honor deputies like Aleman, who have died while in the line of duty. There are 11 names engraved on the monument, and soon, there will be 12.

The Wisconsin State Patrol says the wreck involved a flat bed tow truck and Deputy Aleman's patrol vehicle. One rear-ended the other. The deputy’s vehicle came to rest against the median wall. Deputy Aleman was in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The person driving the tow truck was not hurt.

Deputy Aleman was conveyed to Froedtert Hospital where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

In Franklin, a monument of a kneeling deputy honors those who have given their lives while serving Milwaukee County. Soon, Deputy Aleman's name will be engraved on the monument that currently holds 11 names.

Deputy Aleman is the first Milwaukee County deputy to die in the line of duty in 12 years.

In August of 2000, a helicopter crash took the life of 31-year-old deputy and pilot Sung Hui Bang, along with 47-year-old Deputy Sheriff Ralph Zylka. The two men had been searching from the skies for a suspect wanted in a Chicago murder when their helicopter dove into a farmer's field.

David Demos was killed on eastbound I-94 in January of 1997. Then-sheriff Lev Baldwin spoke of his family's loss.

"David was survived by wife, three children and two grandchildren and many other loving family members," Baldwin said.

Demos was struck by a drunk driver while helping a motorist along the interstate. A long line of patrol cars with flashing lights paid tribute to the deputy as he was laid to rest.

Now, tragedy has struck again, and flags are set at half-staff outside the sheriff's training academy in honor of Deputy Aleman.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke is cutting short a trip to California, and plans to speak on this incident Wednesday, August 1st at 1:00 p.m.

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