Ultimate sacrifice: Law enforcement officers killed in line of duty remembered in solemn ceremony

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They made the ultimate sacrifice, and on Wednesday, May 6th, law enforcement officers from across the area came together to honor the fallen.

It was a solemn event at the Milwaukee Theatre -- bringing together officers from across the Milwaukee area. Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and Governor Scott Walker spoke at the event.

MPD's motorcycle unit led the way, followed by MPD's mounted force. The procession ushered in a ceremony honoring Milwaukee County officers killed in the line of duty.

Milwaukee County Law Enforcement Memorial

Governor Walker was one of the first to speak. He spent several minutes talking about 21-year-old Trevor Casper, a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper shot and killed in the line of duty in March. Casper was killed as he exchanged gunfire with a bank robbery suspect in Fond du Lac. March 24th, the day Trooper Casper lost his life was actually his first solo day on the job as a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper.

Trevor Casper

"How remarkable that so soon in his time in the Wisconsin State Patrol, his time as a law enforcement professional that he was able to show what it ultimately meant, to put that training into effect," Governor Walker said.

Trooper Casper is the most recent officer to be killed in the line of duty.

"The 21st of this month he'd be 22 years old, so it just goes to show you how fragile life is in particular when it comes to law enforcement," Governor Walker said.

The ceremony wasn't without contention, however, as Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke denounced comments made by President Barack Obama on police training.

"The men and women who gave their lives in honest service to their community would undoubtedly join me in saying, with all due respect, not true Mr. President. Enough already," Sheriff Clarke said.

Katherine Moczynski spoke toward the end of the ceremony. Her husband, Rosario Cullura was killed in the line of duty in 1985.

"Many have lost their loved ones that never made it to the end of their tours of duty. Lives matter!" Moczynski said.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and Milwaukee Police Association President Mike Crivello also spoke Wednesday afternoon.

Milwaukee County Law Enforcement Memorial