Milwaukee police, Running 4 Heroes honor fallen Officer Corder
Milwaukee police, Running 4 Heroes honor fallen Officer Corder
MPD and the organization Running 4 Heroes honored fallen Officer Kendall Corder on Sunday, Oct. 5.
CUDAHY, Wis. - The Milwaukee Police Department and the organization Running 4 Heroes honored fallen Officer Kendall Corder on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Running 4 Heroes
Local perspective:
Running 4 Heroes, a Florida-based nonprofit organization, is a network of youth runners whose mission is to "raise awareness and funds for those fallen in the line of duty."
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10-year-old Liam, who's part of a youth group, honored Corder by running.
"It feels special because, to like honor the people that gave the ultimate sacrifice for serving their community, it's just really special," Liam said.
"It's incredible when Liam's mom first called me she had asked me if I had ever heard of these runs. I told her I followed this organization for many years. Since I was a younger officer. So I was a little star struck myself that she was reaching out on behalf of the organization and Liam to do this," said Captain Erin Mejia with the Milwaukee Police Department.
Officer Kendall Corder
The backstory:
Corder, 32, was shot and killed in the line of duty this summer. He had just over six years of experience on the job, and his family told FOX6 News he had wanted to be a police officer since he was a child.
Corder and his partner, Christopher McCray, were shot near 25th and Garfield on the night of June 26. They were initially called for a report of a person with a weapon, which was upgraded to shots fired while they were on the way.
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When the officers arrived and stepped out of their squad, they were unexpectedly shot in an alley. Assistant Police Chief Nicole Waldner noted the officers were unable to return fire.
Corder dropped to the ground, and McCray – who had been shot in the foot, leg and back – ran to grab Corder's firearm and protect him, according to a criminal complaint. Backup officers and a tactical team arrived shortly after the shooting.
McCray survived. Corder died of his injuries days later.
Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder funeral: full coverage
Kendall Corder was laid to rest on Friday. The Milwaukee police officer, shot near 25th and Garfield last month, died of his injuries on June 29.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office charged 22-year-old Tremaine Jones with intentional homicide, attempted homicide and endangering safety in connection to the shooting that killed Corder and wounded McCray.
Milwaukee County prosecutors also charged two other people in connection to the shooting.
Court records show 19-year-old Jermela Kittler is charged with harboring/aiding a felon, and 22-year-old Bryshawn Tyler is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
Honoring the fallen
What you can do:
If you are looking for a way to help the families of officers, you can donate to MPA Fallen Heroes, Inc. According to the organization, every dollar offers immediate emergency aid for injured officers and supports long-term recovery for officers and their families.
MPA Fallen Heroes Fund
The Source: FOX6 News received information about Sunday's event from the Milwaukee Police Department. Additional information is from prior coverage related to Corder's death.