'He was a great man:' Memories shared of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski

OAK CREEK -- Fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski was remembered as a devoted family man, a man of faith, and an inspiring officer at his funeral in Oak Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 1

Thousands of law enforcement from around Wisconsin and the nation came to Oak Creek Assembly of God to pay their respects to the fallen officer. It was a big church -- but it could barely contain the emotion.

The speakers at Michalski's funeral included Governor Scott Walker, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and one of Michalski's three sons -- John.

John Michalski

"He could diffuse a hostile situation without a shot fired or a drop of blood shed. I was particularly blown away when I was told he went out of his way to help a fellow officer who was in a time of need and convinced him not to take his own life," John Michalski said. "He left this life doing his duty for his community, for his co-workers and his family and friends. And the more we keep his memory in our hearts and minds -- and the more we try to live up to the example he showed us, the better we can make life for ourselves and the people we share this world with. And from this loss, hopefully we can make the world a better place for future generations to come. I'm gonna miss you dad."

"He died way too young. He did not deserve what happened," said Michalski's sister, Pat.

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales

Chief Morales spoke about one moment in particular -- in the hours after Officer Michalski's death. It was the moment he stepped out of the medical examiner's office and thought about what message he would send to keep his officers focused.

"I approached a crowd of over 300 officers, grieving in front of me," Chief Morales said.

The chief said he heard a sergeant speaking to his peers on the Special Investigations Division.

"And I listened," the chief said. "I heard Andy say, 'We can't do this in anger of his death and ruin what he pushed us to be. We need to police in honor of Mike and keep his memory strong. Let's do it the Mike way.'"

The chief also shared a more humorous quip about the fallen officer. Watch below.

Gov. Scott Walker called Michalski "a hero not just for how he died, but for how he lived."

"Let us honor his life and legacy by striving to be kind – think about each other more and love our neighbor.  This is the best tribute.  He was a local hero – MPD officer Michalski rest in peace," said Governor Walker.

PHOTO GALLERY

After the funeral, Michalski's body was then taken to Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield for burial.

The Milwaukee Police Department has created a GoFundMe page for Officer Michalski’s family.

Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so at any Tri City National Bank, or you can send any donations to the address below: