KENOSHA, Wis. — Beneath a clear morning sky and surrounded by solemn reverence, the Kenosha Police Department hosted the Annual Kenosha County Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Tuesday, honoring officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

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The ceremony began with a poignant rendition of the national anthem by Andrea Squires, great-granddaughter of fallen Kenosha Police Officer Antonio Pingitore, whose name is etched into the community’s collective memory and the marble of the memorial.

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Chaplain David Pagel of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department offered opening reflections that blended gratitude and spiritual encouragement, urging attendees to “count your blessings” and pray for those who serve. “Being the one to enforce consequences is a thankless job,” Pagel noted. “Our law enforcement officers need our support. They need our prayers, because we need them.”

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The tribute continued with remarks from Pleasant Prairie Police Chief David Smetana, who addressed the families of the fallen directly. “We say as individuals and as professionals that we will never forget,” he said. “Their courage and service are both embedded in our minds and in our hearts.”

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Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton emphasized the humanity behind the badge. “Behind each one of these badges is a heart,” he said. “A heart dedicated to protecting and serving with unwavering commitment.” Patton reminded attendees that fallen officers leave behind more than a badge—they leave behind families, colleagues, and communities who must carry on their legacy.

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Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner added deeply personal remarks, referencing his own experiences responding to fallen officer calls. He recounted an emotional conversation with Angelina Fabiano, daughter of Deputy Frank Fabiano Jr., whose name also stands among the honored. Zoerner acknowledged the pain families carry every day. “No words are ever going to capture the depth of your sacrifice,” he said.

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This year’s memorial also recognized the importance of preparing the next generation of officers. Sheriff Zoerner pointed out the presence of recruits from the Gateway Technical College Law Enforcement Academy. “You’re picking up the torch,” he said. “It is so important that you carry on with honor and duty.”

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Pleasant Prairie Chaplain Charlie Hansen closed the ceremony with a heartfelt prayer, reminding attendees of the profession’s sacred duty. “Protect them from all harm,” he prayed. “Let there forever be a wall of protection around them.”

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The service culminated in the reading of names of Kenosha County’s fallen:

Kenosha Police Officers:

• Antonio Pingitore
• Donald Murphy
• Gary W. Fraid
• Dreux Beaulier

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputies:

• Jacob Keul
• James C. Rieschl
• Blanco Aquino
• Frank Fabiano Jr.

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As the Kenosha County Pipes and Drums performed a solemn rendition of “Amazing Grace,” more than 100 attendees—officers, prosecutors, judges, and civilians alike—stood in quiet tribute.

District Attorney Xavier Solis, who could not attend due to an ongoing jury trial, expressed regret at missing the ceremony.

The memorial serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a rededication to service. In the words of Chief Patton, “Let us remember the fallen not only with somber reverence, but with a steadfast promise to carry their legacy in the work that we continue to do.”