From the city …
At Tuesday’s (May 21) Common Council meeting, Police Chief Jessup had the opportunity to recognize the recipients of the South Milwaukee Police Department annual merit awards. These awards recognize the outstanding dedication, bravery, and service of our officers who go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Congratulations to all the recipients!
This was my favorite council meeting of the year when I was mayor, hearing the stories of the officers, staff and everyday citizens making a real difference.
Following are the stories told last week. Thanks, Chief Jessup, for sharing …
Pizza Hut Homicide
On February 7, 2024, officers were dispatched to the Pizza Hut Restaurant at 112 N. Chicago Avenue for a report of a dead body in a garbage cart. This incident was determined to be a homicide and over the course of the next day, the victim was identified as 55-year-old employee of the restaurant. As with all homicide investigations, the first 48 hours is critical to solving the case and it requires many investigators, working as a team, to collect evidence and follow leads. Every officer with our department worked on this case and contributed to the end result but this group of officers stood out in terms of the hours they put in and the crucial evidence they found. The area was canvassed for video footage and officers quickly found evidence that showed the lone suspect coming to the scene, and then leaving on foot. While the video was grainy, it did give us some important information on the suspect’s description and direction of travel.
Over the next several days, this group spent many hours writing search warrant applications and poring through phone records, cell tower information, social media accounts and surveillance video to positively identify the suspect. Search warrants were executed in South Milwaukee and in the City of Milwaukee. This group of officers conducted surveillance and ultimately arrested the 31-year-old suspect within just a few days of the crime.
This is a very brief summary of the work done by these officers and it would take quite some time to detail all of the steps that were taken by this dedicated team. Suffice to say, this group of investigators went to great lengths and followed every lead to bring closure and justice for the family of the victim. Additionally, there is no doubt that the suspect posed a great threat to our community, and his quick apprehension prevented additional risk of violence in our city. The investigators and officers are to be commended for their commitment to the community and their perseverance during difficult circumstances. Lieutenants Jason Walker and David Hoeppner, Investigators Nathan Siefert and Matthew Kramer, and Officers Logan Staege, Craig Perkowski, and Steven Hesse are hereby presented with a Meritorious Service Award for their accomplishments during this very tragic case.
Saving a Life and Making an Arrest
On November 3, 2023, officers were dispatched to an address on Marion Avenue for a report of an overdose. When they arrived, they found a 16-year-old boy was unconscious and they revived him through the use of NARCAN. Shortly thereafter, the boy started to have a seizure and was transported to SLSS for additional treatment. These officers conducted a thorough investigation, gained the cooperation of the 16-year-old boy and were able to identify the drug dealer that was providing the boy with heroin. A search warrant was executed and additional drugs were recovered. The adult suspect was arrested and charged with PWITD. Further investigation by these officers revealed that the boy’s parents were aware of his drug use and even assisted him in obtaining drugs. Both parents were arrested and charged with multiple felonies. The 16-year-old boy and his younger brother were removed from the house and placed with a responsible caregiver. The younger brother was also found to have cocaine in his system.
If not for the diligence and persistence of Investigator Matthew Kramer and Officer Brandon Meyer, these children would have continued to be in a very dangerous environment. By holding three adults responsible for their criminal actions, the officers protected these children and made our city safer. Investigator Kramer and Officer Meyer are hereby presented with merit awards for their actions.
Helping a Fellow Officer
On February 4, 2024, Officer Draven Feustel was working the third shift and was assigned to convey a prisoner to the Milwaukee County Jail and after completing that assignment, he began driving back to the City of South Milwaukee. While driving southbound on I-43, he observed a sheriffs deputy on the side of the freeway. The deputy appeared to be struggling to make an arrest and the deputy was lying on his back with the man standing over him. Officer Feustel immediately jumped into action, exited his squad and rushed to the aid of the deputy, using his taser to disable the man and take him into custody. Luckily, the deputy only sustained minor injuries but this incident could have turned tragic, if not for the quick action of Draven. Officer Feustel is hereby presented with a merit award for his actions on that night.
Honoring Tony Girard
A Citizen Recognition Award is presented to Tony Girard, owner of Tony G’s Grant Park Garage. This award traditionally goes to a citizen or group that takes action that has a significant impact on crime prevention and community safety, and Tony definitely fills that role. In addition to being a great local business owner, Tony Girard has also been one of our most reliable supporters. Each year he donates to our Shop with a Cop program, Community Night Out and our DARE golf outing, allowing us to support the children in our community. Last year he also donated at least four times to our new K-9 program. Tony Girard has shown a strong commitment to the City of South Milwaukee and the South Milwaukee Police Department through his work and his generosity, and he sets an example for others to follow. I am pleased to present him with our Citizen Recognition Award, and want to thank him for his generous support.
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