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Name of Jennifer Sebena on national memorial?
Name of Jennifer Sebena on national memorial?
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena was gunned down by her husband, Benjamin Sebena while she was on duty on Christmas Eve. Now, some are outraged after a national organization is refusing to recognize Jennifer Sebena on a national memorial for fallen officers.
An application to put Sebena's name on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in Washington, D.C. has been 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.
Sebena was shot several times as she left the Wauwatosa Fire Department early Christmas Eve -- her own service weapon used to kill her.
"It was very unfortunate to hear that. I was actually stunned," Brian Dorow said.
Dorow is Sebena's former instructor.
She was on duty, her husband ended up being the suspect, but she was killed on duty, while performing her duties as a police officer," Dorow said.
Dorow is part of a growing list of people who are now trying to get those in charge of the national memorial to change their minds.
"Right now it is gaining over 10 signatures a minute. I do't know what is going on on Facebook but it seems to be going viral," Jason Asselin said.
Asselin started an online petition in an attempt to convince those in Washington to reconsider.
"I'm seeing signatures on here from Florida, California, Nevada. I mean, it's incredible," Asselin said.
Asselin is a South Milwaukee native, who now lives in Michigan. He spends his free time helping the families of officers killed on duty around the country, which now includes Jennifer Sebena.
"In the end I just want to see her put on the wall. Give her the respect that she deserves," Asselin said.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has sent a formal letter to the police memorial's chairman and CEO, seeking change.
“I strongly disagree that Officer Sebena’s death was not in the line of duty. I strongly disagree with any suggestion that a line of duty death cannot result from an incident of domestic violence. For these reasons, I also disagree with the decision not to include Officer Sebena on the Memorial,” Attorney General Van Hollen wrote.
Wisconsin's largest police union says failure to add Sebena's name to this memorial may strain relationships with the group, which frequently hosts fundraisers in Wisconsin.
"She died in the line of duty. She was on duty. It was a tragedy. I'm hopeful that this committee will change their mind," Dorow said.
CLICK HERE to access the petition to get Jennifer Sebena's name on the national memorial.