MADISON — The 34th annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony paid respects to Wisconsin officers killed in the line of duty.
This year, four names were added to the Honor Roll of the memorial.
The fallen officers honored included: Milwaukee Police officer Peter Jerving, Chetek Police officer Emily Breidenbach, Cameron Police officer Hunter Scheel and Saint Croix County deputy Kaitlin Leising.
According to Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial chairman officer Craig Kolbeck, that is the highest number of officers killed in the line of duty since 2000.
These ultimate sacrifices have continued to impact their loved ones long after they've passed.
Tanya Meyer-Van Deurzen is the widow of Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office deputy Richard Meyer. He was killed in a crash in 2003.
She joined her son, Max, in the wreath presentation at this year’s Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.
This is only her second time at the site since his death.
“The main reason I did it was for Max because he was so young when his dad passed and I know he doesn’t have any memories of that, so I wanted to honor his dad again when he could be a part of that and memories,” said Meyer-Van Deurzen.
Meyer-Van Deurzen said she hopes her son sees how his fellow officers saw his dad.
“He was just very dependable, extremely professional and a guy anyone could always count on,” said Meyer-Van Deurzen
There are now a total of 293 officers on the memorial.
Marinette County sheriff Randy Miller said even though he didn't know the four officers added to the Honor Roll this year, he knows what type of impacts they made on their communities.
“It’s not how these officers died that made [them] heroes," said Miller. "It’s how they lived. May their courage, selflessness, dedication and ultimate sacrifice never be forgotten.”
Chetek Police chief Ron Ambrozaitis said the loss of his officer, Breidenbach, continues to be felt throughout his department.
“Managing was tough but it is getting better every day," said Ambrozaitis. "We do a lot more laughing than we do crying, so we are on the mend. Will we ever forget? No. Will we ever be 100%? No. We are working today to find out what the new normal is for us.”
Meyer-Van Deurezen said she is extremely thankful that she never had to deal with the loss of her husband alone.
“I would say at the time of the loss which was, gosh, going on 21 years ago, having the support of the law enforcement community and all of these memorials to honor Rick helped us get through the process," she said.
That’s the reason Meyer-Van Deurezen said she believes this ceremony is important: It gives everyone an opportunity to see the sacrifices law enforcement makes across the state to serve their communities, and be remembered.