Community gathers for vigil to remember fallen Milwaukee officer

By PoliceOne Staff

MILWAUKEE — A large crowd gathered to remember the life of a Milwaukee police officer who was killed in a crash during a pursuit.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that family, friends, community members and fellow officers gathered Monday to honor the life of 23-year-old Milwaukee Officer Charles Irvine Jr.. The young officer was called a hero and remembered as being a happy and positive person.

"Today, I know that he didn’t give his life in vain because look what he’s done today: he brought us all together," Lt. Shannon Taylor, Irvine's supervisor, said.

Last week, Irvine and another officer were pursuing a reckless driver. Irvine, who was a passenger in the patrol car, died when the vehicle crashed. The fleeing suspect was later arrested.

The officer was remembered by close friends as someone who was devoted to church, family and a life of service. Taylor said Irvine never complained and was “a pleasure to work with.”

"We love him, we miss him," Taylor said after the vigil. "We just held him in high regard."

Ald. Tony Zielinski also attended the vigil and offered condolences on behalf of the Common Council and the City of Milwaukee.

"This is an example of what every police officer when they go out the front door, what they know may happen at the end of the day," he said. "That’s what they do for us, and that’s what the family has to deal with as well.”

Irvine had been with the Milwaukee Police Department since he was 19 years old and became an officer two years ago. He’s the first Milwaukee officer killed in the line of duty in 22 years.

A funeral for Irvine is expected to take place on Saturday.