Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

MILWAUKEE - The Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon, May 5 at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee. It’s an annual reminder of the sacrifice and danger of serving the public.

The annual ceremony is part of the lead-up to National Police Week.

On Thursday afternoon, the "End of Watch" anniversaries of four fallen officers were remembered by law enforcement at the Wisconsin Center.

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Police from across the county gather inside the Wisconsin Center to honor officers and deputies who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Sometimes, being surrounded by people that know the same thing you’re going through – there’s comfort in that," said Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner, Milwaukee Police Department.

Waldner was among those offering prayers at the Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

"It’s unimaginable, right, to feel someone left for work one day and didn’t come back," said Waldner.

Since joining the department as a police officer in 1996, she spent most of her career without having to bury any of her colleagues.  That’s no longer the case.  

Among the wreaths placed on stage was one for MPD Officer Mark Lentz. Lentz’s police motorcycle was intentionally hit in 2017.  He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died from complications two years later.

"When it’s least expected, an officer lays down his or her life in defense of others," said Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas.

Three other officers were remembered, including marking the 10th anniversary of Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena’s death.  Their loss is never forgotten.

"It’s a constant reminder – a constant reminder," said Waldner. "At any time, something can happen to any of us.  It makes you appreciate what you have more."  

Milwaukee police will head to Washington, D.C. next week for the National Police Week memorial. Officer Lentz's name will be added to the fallen officers memorial.