Crime & Safety
National Police Week 2013: Candles Raised for the Fallen
People from around the country take part in a candle-light vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Wauwatosa police officer Jennifer Sebena was among those honored Monday.
More than 19,000 names of fallen law enforcement officers are etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial — and more are added every year.
The keepers of the police memorial figure one law officer in the United States dies in the line of duty every 57 hours. For this year's ceremony, 321 names were added to that wall.
Among them: Jennifer Sebena, a Wauwatosa police officer shot and killed on Christmas Eve 2012; and Milwaukee County Sheriff's Deputy Sergio Aleman, killed in an on-duty car accident last year.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"She was a truly amazing person," Wauwatosa Det. John Milotsky said of Sebena, speaking to WISN 12 News. "She pinned on that badge every day and served her community. Just like the other 19,000 officers that are on these walls, they took that oath to serve and protect, and they went out and did that.”
Monday night, friends, families and fellow officers gathered to remember, some with smiles, many with tears.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The candles burned as a sign the lost would not be forgotten.
See:
321 Fallen Law Officers: 'Respect. Honor. Remember.'
National Police Week 2013: Full Schedule of Events
Wisconsin Contingent Pays Respects at National Law Enforcement Memorial
Wisconsin Memorial Ceremony for Slain Officers Honors Jennifer Sebena
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
