MILWAUKEE — People across Wisconsin and the country are honoring fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving on Monday by holding a procession and funeral for him in the community he helped protect.
37-year-old Jerving was killed in a struggle with an armed robbery suspect early Tuesday morning, according to Milwaukee police. The suspect also died in the struggle, police say.
Officer Jerving worked out of Milwaukee Police's District 4 on the northwest side - the same community he grew up in. Jerving had a longtime girlfriend named Megan and leaves behind six siblings, family tells us.
For 14 years Jerving worked at Western States Envelope and Label in Butler, Wis. He became a police officer with the Milwaukee Police Department in 2019 after successfully making it through the police academy the year before. At the time of his death, he was pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Marian University in Fond du Lac.
The TMJ4 News team is providing live updates on Officer Jerving's funeral procession starting at 8 a.m., the funeral services starting at 1:30 p.m. and any other memorials and events for Officer Jerving and his fellow officers.
Map of planned funeral procession:
Follow along with our live updates on the procession and funeral of Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving:
6:29 p.m. update: People pay their respects for Officer Jerving
By Mary Jo Ola, TMJ4 News
A line of people waited patiently along Capitol Drive to see the procession for Officer Jerving.
Katie Orlando was among the crowd. Orlando's father used to work with Jerving at Western States Envelope. She said the officer was a joy to be around when they met at her dad's retirement party.
"He was an amazing guy. He was so much fun so that’s why this is hitting pretty hard," Orland recalled.
Orlando paid her respects during visitation as well.
"Sadness, joy for everybody being there for him. It was just a real surreal," Orlando said.
Watching the procession was a way for Orlando and her dad to say a final goodbye.
5:30 p.m. update: Western States honors Officer Jerving
Western States Envelope & Label in Butler unveiled a memorial stone for fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving.
Jerving previously worked at Western States. He started in the factory in 2005 until he resigned to become a full-time officer with the Milwaukee Police Department.
The memorial stone now honors the former team member they lost.
5:16 p.m. update: Procession for Officer Jerving
By Bruce Harrison, TMJ4 News
Near Barker Road and Capitol Drive, dozens gathered to watch the procession.
Robert Nettesheim was the first to arrive. He stood along Barker Road with a large American flag for nearly two hours waiting for Officer Jerving.
He said he told his wife he'd come out the day of Jerving's death.
"Every time I see a police officer, I thank them, for what they've done, for keeping us safe. And every time they leave, they never know what the day's gonna bring," said Nettesheim.
Jolene Lawrence and Gerald Jaeger were part of the crowd along Barker.
"Just felt it was important to pay my respects," said Lawrence. "I have a friend with a son in District 3, and it was hitting pretty close to them."
"It's just overwhelming. Almost brings tears to your eyes. Just to think there's that much support out there," said Jaeger.
4:46 p.m. update: Recap of funeral services
By Julia Fello, TMJ4 News
During the service, we heard from commanders, parents and Jerving's girlfriend. We learned how driven he was to make our community better, his great sense of humor and his mother who took to the podium calling for forgiveness and peace.
"I had big plans for Peter, but God had bigger plans," said Captain Bradley Schlei of District 4.
37-year-old Officer Peter Jerving had plans of his own to one day get married, have children and graduate with a degree at Marian University. Those plans were extinguished last Tuesday when he was shot and killed by a robbery suspect. Jerving's mother publicly prayed for her son's fellow officers. "Please help them to deal with their grief and trauma and I ask that you wipe away any bitterness in their hearts towards the young man who cut down Peter," said Patty Jerving, Officer Jerving's mother.
District 4 Captain Bradley Schlei shared the impact Officer Jerving had on the department in just four years. This includes his contagious smile. "In the first 5 minutes I talked to him, I knew he was special, he had the drive," said Schlei.
Survived by his parents, six siblings, nieces and nephews - they were able to see the community pay their respects for the ultimate sacrifice this officer made.
Chief Jeffrey Norman spoke during the service, saying "I cannot think of a better example of courage and sacrifice than Officer Peter E.C. Jerving."
Now the fifth Milwaukee officer killed on duty in five years, the hope is that the community will move forward more united and never let that go. Chief Norman said, "Rest easy brother. We got it from here."
Watch the funeral services in full here.
4:30 p.m. update: End of watch call for Officer Jerving
3:16 p.m. update:
City of Milwaukee's mayor and police chief, Jerving's parents and sibling and others are speaking during his funeral.
1:50 p.m. update:
Officer Jerving worked for Western States Envelope for 14 years before becoming a police officer. The company is honoring Jerving on Monday following funeral services. Learn more below:
1:30 p.m. update:
Funeral services have started in Elmbrook Church for fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving. The church will be livestreaming the service to the public via the news media. You can watch the service in the TMJ4 Livestream viewer at the top of this article.
12:15 p.m. update:
TMJ4's Tom Durian had an opportunity to go into Elmbrook Church where Jerving's funeral is scheduled to take place. Inside, officials are handing out buttons that say "In loving memory - Police Officer Peter Jerving" on them.
Watch: Tom Durian describes what it's like inside the church
11 a.m. update:
Photos from Monday morning's procession.
10:24 a.m. update:
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission issued a statement on the day of Officer Jerving's funeral:
"Today, as many gather to say their final goodbyes to Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving, we extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and the Milwaukee Police Department.
Almost one week ago, we woke up to the terrible news that Officer Jerving had been killed in the line of duty. Since then, we have not only learned more details about that fateful day, but we have also continued to learn about Officer Jerving’s life and his commitment to the City of Milwaukee.
Officer Jerving’s family and friends have shared the enthusiasm and pride that he exhibited after realizing his dream of becoming a Milwaukee Police Officer. A lifelong resident of the City of Milwaukee and a four-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, Officer Jerving proudly served and protected the people of Milwaukee on a daily basis. Just last year, he received an MPD merit award for providing lifesaving care to a shooting victim during extremely dangerous conditions.
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Officer Jerving and his pride and eagerness to serve as an officer with the Milwaukee Police Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues at the Milwaukee Police Department as they mourn his loss.
Officer Jerving paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the Milwaukee community, and for this, he will always be remembered."
9 a.m. update:
Visitation begins for Officer Jerving at Elmbrook Church. It will be open until 1 p.m., with the service kicking off at 1:30 p.m.
8:45 a.m. update:
The procession just wrapped for MPD Officer Jerving. He was transported from Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield to Elmbrook Church, where his funeral will take place today. Visitation begins at 9 a.m.
Watch: The full procession from the funeral home to Elmbrook Church
7 a.m. update:
No updates as of now. The procession from the funeral home to the church is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
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Details: Funeral for Officer Jerving
According to the plan released by Milwaukee police, the funeral for Officer Jerving will be held at Elmbrook Church at 777 S. Barker Rd. in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, Feb. 13. Public visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service starts at 1:30 p.m.
The procession from Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield to Elmbrook Church starts around 8 a.m. That route is as follows: east on West Capitol Drive from 21600 W. Capitol Drive to N. Barker Road, south on N. Barker Road from W. Capitol Drive to Elmbrook Church.
Flyer from Milwaukee police about funeral plans:
How can I donate to the family of Officer Jerving?
Here are the two official ways people can make donations to Jerving's family:
- First, you can stop at any Landmark Credit Union branch and donate in person. Your in-person donation can be made out to the "Officer Jerving End of Watch Fund."
- Second, you can donate online with the Fallen Heroes Fund for Jerving.
Jerving's family has approved both methods of donation, and the money will go straight to them.
What happened between Officer Jerving and the suspect?
As TMJ4 News extensively reported, Milwaukee police identified the suspect as 19-year-old Terrell I. Thompson.
Police say Thompson shot Officer Jerving while in a struggle with another officer. Police say the officer who was shot fired back. During the exchange, Thompson was also shot. Police say Officer Jerving discharged his firearm, striking Thompson.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said during a press conference that the incident happened after officers attempted to arrest a 19-year-old suspect in an armed robbery.
The robbery happened late Monday night on West Good Hope Road, police said.
Watch: Chief describes deadly shooting
When chasing the suspect, one of the officers caught up to him, and a struggle ensued. Chief Norman said the suspect used a handgun to shoot an officer.
Officers shot back, and the suspect was struck.
Chief Norman said the officer was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. Officer Jerving was 37 years old and had four years of service with the department.
The suspect died at the scene of the shooting. MPD said it's unclear whether the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, or if one of the officers' shots killed him.
Watch some of our most emotional and powerful stories about Officer Jerving:
View photos of Officer Jerving that members of the community shared with us:
