Attorney General Schuette recognizes Michigan's fallen law enforcement officers

As part of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette paid tribute to the Michigan officers who gave their lives in the line of duty protecting our communities over the last year.

Schuette demonstrated his admiration and appreciation for all the men and women who stand between danger and our families, serving our cities, counties and state.

“When a police officer is killed, we remember them as heroes not for how they died, but for how they lived,” said Schuette. “Today we honor each man and woman for their ultimate sacrifice and thank those on patrol for their courage and commitment to our nation.”

Schuette also recognized the bravery of the heroic Detroit policeman, Officer Waldis Johnson, who continues to fight for his life after being shot on April 30, 2017 responding to a domestic violence call on Detroit’s west side. Schuette expressed his hope for a steadfast recovery and said his thoughts and paryers remain with Officer Johnson, his family and fellow officers.

The years 2016 and 2017 were dangerous years for Michigan law enforcement. Officers were honored at the Annual Candlelight Vigil this Saturday, May 13, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Seven Michigan law enforcement officers have been killed since 2016.  Those officers were:

• Joseph Peter Zangaro; Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
• Ronald E. Kienzle; Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
• Michael Arthur Winter; Branch County Sheriff’s Department.
• Kenneth Melvin Steil; Detroit Police Department.
• Kevin Dwayne Miller; Detroit Police Department.
• Myron Anthony Jarrett; Detroit Police Department.
• Collin James Rose; Wayne State University Police Department.
• Jon Ginka; Norton Shores Police Department.

In 2004, the Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Commission was created under Public Act 177. The commission was established to oversee the financing, design and construction of Michigan’s Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.  In 2007, the commission selected a design for the memorial and work now continues to raise funds to build it in the Capitol Complex in Lansing.

The commission hopes to raise the remaining $900,000 needed for the memorial by September 2018.  Those interested in donating online can do so at the State of Michigan e-store, https://media.state.mi.us/MichiganeStore/public/Home.aspx. Information on how to mail a donation is available on the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial website, www.mleom.org/donate.html.