Board to reconsider adding Officer Sebena's name on memorial

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Board will reconsider including Officer Sebena’s name on their national memorial during a meeting Wednesday, April 3rd in Washington, D.C.

An application to put Sebena’s name on the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. was initially rejected. Officials in Washington say the reason for the rejection is because, though Sebena was gunned down while on duty, her killing was a result of domestic violence.

The intial decision not to add Officer Sebena to the national memorial sparked national criticism.

Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, and the Sojourner Family Peace Center have all spoken out -- urging the board to reconsider adding Sebena to the memorial. The Wisconsin Professional Police Association has even written a letter to President Obama.

“Not including Officer Sebena’s name on the memorial diminishes the seriousness of domestic violence crimes,” said Carmen Pitre, Sojourner Family Peace Center executive director. “Sebena lost her life while serving and protecting the community. It’s wrong to deprive her the memorial listing and hurtful to family members, friends and coworkers seeking to preserve her honorable memory. We urge the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to reverse their previous decision and include Officer Sebena on their memorial.”

Due to the outcry, The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Board will reconsider adding Sebena's name to the memorial Wednesday, April 2nd during a 9 a.m. meeting in Washington, D.C.

CLICK HERE to access the petition to get Jennifer Sebena’s name on the national memorial.