KENOSHA, Wis. — Law enforcement officers, retirees, judges, elected officials and community members gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Public Safety Monument for the annual Kenosha Law Enforcement Memorial Service, honoring local officers who died in the line of duty while also placing a strong emphasis on the emotional and mental toll carried by today’s officers.

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The ceremony, held during National Police Week, recognized fallen members of the Kenosha Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, including Antonio Pingitore, Donald Murphy, Gary W. Fraid, Dreux Beaulier, Jacob Keul, James C. Rieschl, Blanco Aquino and Frank Fabiano Jr. The service also recognized Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder, who was killed in the line of duty in 2025.

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Andrea Squires, the great-granddaughter of fallen Kenosha Police Officer Antonio Pingitore, performed the National Anthem as officers from the Kenosha Police Department, Pleasant Prairie Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office participated in the posting of the colors.

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Much of the ceremony centered on the growing recognition of officer wellness and the emotional trauma carried by police officers and deputies throughout their careers.

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Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton delivered some of the ceremony’s most personal remarks, telling attendees he wanted to “humanize those officers that stand in front of you.”

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“We are not superheroes,” Patton said. “We are not perfect. And we experience the same fear that any other person does. Because behind each one of these badges is a human being.”

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Patton described officers as neighbors, parents, spouses and friends who routinely witness trauma while continuing to respond to emergencies and public crises.

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“We laugh, we cry, we grieve, and we oftentimes need to turn to each other for support,” Patton said. “We are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members.”

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Patton said officers often appear larger than life to the public, but stressed that law enforcement officers face the same vulnerabilities and emotional struggles as anyone else.

“Each day we put on these uniforms not because we seek glory or recognition, but because we have passion and a career that allows us to make a difference,” Patton said.

He urged the community to continue strengthening relationships with law enforcement and said honoring fallen officers also means supporting the officers still serving today.

“Behind each badge is a person dedicated to giving their all to protect others,” Patton said.

Former Kenosha Police Chief and current City Administrator John Morrissey delivered the keynote address, focusing heavily on officer wellness, trauma and suicide prevention in policing.

Morrissey spoke about the cumulative stress officers experience during a typical shift, ranging from child abuse investigations and overdose deaths to domestic violence calls and fatal crashes.

“They absorb trauma that most people, thankfully, will never experience in a lifetime,” Morrissey said.

He praised local agencies for investing in mental health support, noting that the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and Pleasant Prairie Police Department have dedicated mental health resources available for officers.

“One of the most difficult truths facing law enforcement today is the reality of officer suicide,” Morrissey said. “True strength is having the courage to seek help before tragedy occurs.”

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Angelina Gabriele also addressed attendees, reflecting on her years as a prosecutor working alongside local officers and investigators.

“Tragically, all officers don’t make it home at the end of their shift,” Gabriele said. “They never know when they start their day if and when they will.”

Gabriele specifically referenced Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder, who was fatally shot after responding to a domestic violence call in June 2025.

According to remarks made during the ceremony, Corder and another officer were ambushed by a suspect firing a rifle from concealment near an alley. Corder later died from his injuries.

Gabriele also spoke about the long-term emotional effects law enforcement work can have on officers and their families, noting that suicide among officers remains a major concern nationwide.

“Officers don’t just respond to crisis, they absorb it,” Gabriele said.

Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner closed his remarks by encouraging younger officers and recruits to support one another and seek help when needed.

“We’re not going to talk about statistics, uniforms, titles or agencies,” Zoerner said. “I’d like to talk about people.”

The ceremony also included a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Kenosha Area Pipes & Drums Association, a rifle salute from an honor guard made up of multiple agencies and the playing of TAPS by Kenosha Police Officer Shawn Guetschow.

Mayor David Bogdala and Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument.

The memorial service has become an annual tradition in Kenosha and organizers said Wednesday marked the event’s 27th year honoring officers who died while serving their communities.