Memorial service held Thursday evening for Lt. Jeff Kreft

TWIN LAKES (WITI) -- A memorial service for Lt. Jeff Kreft of the Twin Lakes Police Department was held on Thursday evening, May 30th.

Kreft was off-duty on Saturday, May 25th when his car was struck nearly head-on by a 16-year-old driver headed in the opposite direction on Highway 120 in Walworth County. Kreft suffered critical injuries and died shortly after the wreck.

Police departments from across the state gathered at Brooklife Church in Mukwonago to say thank you and pay their respects. Law enforcement in attendance wore black arm bands over their badges in solidarity for Lt. Kreft.

"It's a large brotherhood from every department," said Walworth County Sheriff Deputy Dan Nichols.

Nichols had known Kreft for 24 years, after becoming neighbors with his family as a child. The word he used to describe Kreft was passionate.

When Kreft was promoted to Lieutenant in early May, he had the choice to move to second shift. He chose to stay on third shift in order to spend time with his family.

"Family was number one. He was always able to separate his work life from his family life, which is what kept it together for all those years," said Nichols.

Nichols says Kreft's passing makes him feel as though a piece of the puzzle has been taken out.

"The scars will never be taken away, but the memories that we have of 36 years we had him for, those will always be there," said Nichols.

Kreft is survived by his wife and two sons, ages seven and five.

The accident is still under investigation and will be reviewed by the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office once completed. No charges or citations have been issued at this time.

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