MILWAUKEE — The family of Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving, 37, is speaking out for the first time since his death.
Jerving was shot and killed by an armed robbery suspect early Tuesday morning. It happened on the city’s south side. The suspect was also shot and died.
"I don't know if Peter ever wanted to be a hero, but he wanted to be the best damn police officer he could and we all know he fulfilled that," his mother Patty said in a statement that was shared with TMJ4 News by family member Alexis Twito.
Twito shared 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. This fundraiser has been up for several days. Learn more in the below pamphlet:
Twito shared a statement from Jerving’s younger brother, Drew. They two were very close and lived together for much of their adult lives.
"Pete taught me so many valuable things, from learning how to manage money to learning how to manage relationships with girls," Drew's statement reads. "He taught me how to throw a football and even how to hate the Minnesota Vikings, even though our brother John would disagree. He also had so many brothers in blue, and although this is his end of watch here on earth, he will continue to watch over us in heaven above."
Alexis and Jerving became friends and family nearly 20 years ago when her brother married one of his sisters.
"He’s a beloved son, brother, and Uncle Pete to a bunch of nieces and nephews,” Twito said. “He was loved by so many. He treated everyone like family. That's who he was. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and there were never too many people in his circle. He brought everyone in. That’s why you see so many friends coming forward to share memories.”
WATCH TMJ4 News interview: Pastor talks about relationship with Officer Jerving
Like many of his friends have described Jerving, Twito says he was the life of any party.
“He loved to have fun, joke, play pranks,” she said. “He loved to dance and make everyone laugh. You couldn’t be around him and not feel good.”
Jerving was raised in a large, close-knit family. He has six brothers and sisters - and was in the middle - the third youngest. They were all home-schooled and raised on Milwaukee’s northwest side, in the same neighborhood Jerving would later serve as a police officer in, District 4.
His family was so proud that he became a police officer four years ago, but like any law enforcement family, they also worried.
“They are going through every emotion right now,” Twito said. “They are sad, in shock, and angry that Peter’s life was cut so short in such a senseless way. It’s unfair. He was 37-years-old. He wanted to have a family and was supposed to have a full life.”
In addition to being part of the family, Twito is also a local church pastor. She used to lead the Salvation Army’s Crisis Chaplaincy Program, which worked closely with MPD. While in the police academy, Jerving asked Twito to help him prepare.
“He wanted help running through some of the tasks and questions they give you,” Twito said. “Reviewing different police scenarios. I was honored and felt a little extra bit of pride at his graduation ceremony. He was meant to be an officer and took the job so seriously. He finally found this thing that he loved so much and was really good at.”
Alexis is now preparing to help lead Jerving’s funeral service on Monday.
“It’s hard to plan for that, because it doesn’t feel real that he’s gone,” she said. “I want to share a message of hope. That we believe as people of faith that no matter what we go through, we are not alone. We know Peter is resting in God’s hands.”
Jerving’s family will gather privately this weekend. They are thankful that members of the Milwaukee Police Department have been stopping by to share stories about Peter and grieve with them.
“It’s nice to hear those stories,” Twito said. “They have been telling us in their own ways what a good cop and person he was.”
Twito says Jerving’s longtime partner on the job has been taking his death especially hard. He feels guilty he was not with Jerving the day he died. They were both training other officers.
“They were best friends,” Twito said. “I tell the officers, deep sadness and tears only mean that there was deep love. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of about that.”
Twito hopes that keeping Jerving’s memory alive in positive ways will eventually help his family heal from the trauma and sadness surrounding his death.
“Peter would want us all to follow his lead in living lives with purpose,” she said. “Finding something you care deeply about, and then doing the absolute best you can.”
Photos of Officer Jerving and important people in his life:
According to Marian University, Officer Jerving was a current student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Marian University of Wisconsin President Michelle Majewski released the following statement following his death:
"The life of an officer expresses everything we are or would like to be in the service of others. Officer Peter Jerving was such a life – an energetic and compassionate individual who laid down his life for others. Here at Marian University, we were blessed with his presence in our Criminal Justice Program and we grieve with his family for his loss. We will never forget him. Our prayers are with the Jerving family and all the First Responders.
Funeral services for fallen officer Jerving
Funeral services for fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving will be held on Monday, Feb. 13.
Krause Funeral Home says visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road, in Brookfield. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a burial at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Dr.
